34. Manaki Brothers film festival opens in Bitola

The 34. International Cinematographers' Film Festival "Manaki Brothers", held this year under motto "Let the Light in", opened in Bitola late on Saturday.

President Gjorge Ivanov opened the festival, saying Bitola is Macedonia's film capital, hosting the oldest festival in the world acknowledging the cinematographers' contribution.

"This festival honors the first Macedonian and Balkan cinematographers, brothers Janaki and Milton Manaki. Through the lens of the legendary 'Camera 300' they did not allow darkness to swallow our cultural past. They promoted our culture, history and daily lives", said Ivanov, who is the festival's patron.

President Ivanov presented Spanish cinematographer Jose Luis Alcaine with the 2013 Golden Camera 300 for Lifetime Achievement.

"I am deeply thankful to Macedonia, since this is the biggest recognition that a cinematographer can get. I am a man working with light, so let there be light", said Alcaine upon receiving the award.

Premiere of Macedonian film "The Piano Room" by director Igor Ivanov–Izi was screened at the opening ceremony.

The main program contains 12 exceptional films awarded with prizes and screened at festivals in Berlin, Cannes, Karlovy Vary and last year's Venice Film Festival.