The President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, officially opened the 33rd International Cinematographers’ Film Festival “Manaki Brothers”, being traditionally organized under his patronage. The Head of State handed over the Special Award “Golden Camera 300” to the French actress Catherine Deneuve, an exclusive guest to the Festival. In his address at the opening ceremony, the President said:  

Distinguished admirers and lovers of the motion picture magic, dear guests,
I have the honor and pleasure to address you at the opening of the thirty-third International Cinematographers’ Film Festival “Manaki Brothers”, one of the few such festivals in the world, dedicated to those behind the cameras – directors of film photography.

This year, again, at this prestigious event, we will have the opportunity to see cutting-edge films, and to host great names of the world cinematography.

Thanks to the film camera, the moment becomes eternity, transience becomes duration, but the eye of the cameraman is what gives real life and artistic immortality to the film. It is the vision of the cameraman and the camera lens that makes the game of light reflected on the film tape as artistic dimension victory over the transience of life.

I am especially proud that this year's edition of "Manaki Brothers" will present 28 Macedonian films, and that the festival will be opened and closed with the premieres of Macedonian feature films: "The Third Half" by Darko Mitrevski and "Balkan is not Dead" by Aleksandar Popovski. I wish both films successful presentation, promotion at many prestigious festivals and presence across cinemas worldwide.

Inspired by the example of the Manaki brothers, we will continue to diligently create and achieve high cultural and aesthetic achievements.

I would like to extend my congratulations to the team that managed to compile an outstanding program for this year's festival.

To all of you, dear guests, I wish you pleasant moments filled with great films of this year's "Manaki Brothers" festival repertoire.

I hereby declare the festival open!

Thank you.