"Take half, leave half" - Samir Ljuma on filming Sundance-winner 'Honeyland'

As ‘Honeyland’ cinematographer, along with Fejmi Daut, Samir Ljuma successfully filmed virtually unnoticed for three years in the most barren of landscapes – rural Macedonia. For this, the film picked up the Best Cinematography Award at Sundance along with two other awards, making it the most celebrated film at this year’s festival. Since then, its gone from strength to strength and has widely been regarded as one the best documentaries of the year.

The film follows Hatidzie, Europe’s last female wild beekeeper, and her moving struggle to maintain the natural balance of her environment when some industrious neighbours move in.

We met with Samir to discover the process behind the film’s making and to discuss its wider message. “Take half, leave half” is Hatidzie rule of thumb with respect to her environment, something Samir believes we can all learn from.

‘Honeyland’ is currently showing in UK cinemas and is also available online.