National Geographic Documentary Films has revealed its next major theatrical release — The Tale of Silyan. The film tells the touching story of a wounded white stork and a struggling farmer whose lives connect in unexpected ways.
The documentary premieres in select U.S. theaters on November 28, 2025, and in the U.K. on December 12. Directed by Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Tamara Kotevska (Honeyland), the film already impressed audiences at the Venice Film Festival, where it won the Best Film Cinema and Arts Award.
A Story of Connection and Hope
Set in rural North Macedonia, The Tale of Silyan follows Nikola, a farmer facing economic hardship and environmental change. After his family leaves to find work abroad, Nikola discovers an injured white stork while working as a landfill attendant. He nurses the bird — Silyan — back to health, forming an unexpected bond that shows the healing power of compassion.
Kotevska, known for combining environmental realism with emotion, called the project deeply personal.
“Silyan represents many — each carrying their own journey of survival and return,” said Kotevska. “It’s a story that took time, patience, and love to make.”
The cinematography by Jean Dakar earned a Critics Choice Documentary Award nomination for Best Cinematography. Reviewers praised the film as “captivating, earthbound, airborne, and magical” (The Hollywood Reporter) and “a triumph” (IndieWire).
Our Thoughts
National Geographic continues to raise the bar for documentary storytelling. The Tale of Silyan blends human emotion, environmental awareness, and breathtaking imagery. It’s a film that invites reflection on our connection to nature and each other.
Watch for its theatrical debut in November, and expect it to soar into awards season before eventually arriving on Disney+.
