Directed by: Tamara Kotevska, Ljubomir Stefanov
Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains some spoilers for this film!
Synopsis: This documentary follows the life of Hatidze Muratova, a natural bee hunter and honey gatherer in Macedonia having to contend with new neighbors whose actions threaten her livelihood.
Reality Cats: Hatidze lives in a farm house with her elderly mother Nazife and is her sole caretaker. Also living in and around the house are numerous cats seen throughout the film.
When the Sam family moves in next door, they want to raise bees for honey also. Hatidze befriends them at first, giving them tips and being friendly with their children. One little girl carries a kitten into Hatidze’s house.
Hatidze asks the girl if she would like a kitten. The shy girl does not speak but holds into the kitten she has.
Another cat is in the Sam’s home when a toddler is stung by a bee.
Cats continue to be present in the background of many scenes.
The Sam family’s practices are not as nurturing or careful as Hatidze’s. In a way this can be seen by the rough way the children are seen holding kittens.
Eventually winter sets in and Hatizde spends more time inside with her mother, as well as with the cats.
At one point Hatizde gets frustrated with her mother who won’t eat and throws the food on the floor, saying she will give it to the cats. The cats are quick to run to the food.
Hatizde interacts warmly and lovingly with the cats, even at the darkest of times. She even sings a song which goes, “Where have you been little kitten? In the wardrobe? What did you eat? Milk and skimmed cream? . . . and left none for you.”
Final Mewsings: All around the world cats are a comfort to us.
Many thanks to Dr. Jimmy and Lenny the Wonder Cat for letting us know about the cats in this film!
Relevant Links:
To discuss this film and other cats in movies and on television, join us on Facebook and Twitter.