By Anne Brodie
The Tale of Silyan, a remarkable documentary on the friendship between a man and a stork is a breath of fresh air in this fraught runup to the holidays and the state of the world. Aleksandar Conev lives on his generations old farm in Macedonia but faces an uncertain future when government regulations end his vegetable business. He’s also dealing awith the suicide of his son. Little does he know that his son has entered the body of a stork with a broken wing. Aleksandar discovers the bird and takes him home for treatment and care, and the experience changes his life. This true story – documentary – is also part fairy tale but we can drop our definitions for this exquisite film experience. The stork knows Aleksandar’s farm but traverses it in a pondering manner because the once bountiful fields are now ruined. Over time Aleksandar begins to hope and think that the bird is indeed his son and healing begins. Is the documentary a projection of the filmmakers or is what they’ve captured miraculous? Bold, gorgeous – sweeping weather patterns play a big role – and full of hope and love. TVOD Dec 5.