Distinguished cinephiles,

Contrast is the mother of clarity. And there is no greater contrast than the one between darkness and light. It is said that darkness is a mere absence of light, just as evil is absence of good. Therefore, the true mystery is the nature of light. Throughout the centuries, scientists believed that light is an electromagnetic wave that radiated from the source. However, in 1905, Einstein put this paradigm into question. He claimed that light is not only an electromagnetic wave, but a particle.

In that same 1905, whilst some of the brightest scientific minds in Europe and the world were trying to shed light on the paradox of this double nature of light itself, two brothers from Macedonia brought the first film camera in the Balkans. Janaki and Milton Manaki were not interested in the physical nature, but rather the artistic application of light. As the first cinematographers in the Balkans, they managed to capture light on a movie tape and show it on the movie screens.

Since then, many cinematographers from Macedonia, Europe and the world shared with us their highest artistic achievements at this International Film Camera Festival. In spite of their differences, all movies have one thing in common, and that is the contrast between darkness and light, both physical and ethical. Therefore, just when we think that darkness is prevailing and the situation appears hopeless, we should remember the words of one of our poets, that the night is darkest before sunrise. The light shines brightest in the darkest times. It gives us hope and strength to continue walking towards its source. Let us continue and never quit.

With this thought, as President of the Republic of Macedonia, I declare the 38th International Film Camera Festival "Brothers Manaki" open.