Macedonian Learning Community and Resource

Bitola, the city of the Brothers Manaki, once again came alive with the rhythm of cinema. For seven days, the historic streets, theaters, and cafes of the city buzzed with filmmakers, artists, and cinephiles from all over the world. The 46th International Cinematographers’ Film Festival “Brothers Manaki” was more than a series of screenings—it was a celebration of light and shadow, of imagination, and of the rich cinematic legacy that started here over 120 years ago.

The festival opened with “Mother”, a film inspired by the life of Mother Teresa, directed by Teona Strugar Mitevska. With cinematography by Virginie Saint-Martin and a stellar cast including Noomi Rapace, Sylvie Huet, Nikola Ristanovski, and Labina Mitevska, the film set the tone for a week of international artistry.
As the festival unfolded, the city became a stage for cinematic dialogue. Masterclasses, conversations, and screenings highlighted the artistry behind every frame. One of the most memorable moments was the masterclass by Semih Kaplanoglu, this year’s recipient of the Golden Camera 300 for outstanding contribution to world cinematography.

Kaplanoglu shared stories from his childhood and early career, his parents’ influence, and his formative years at Dokuz Eylul University, where he earned a degree in film and television. He recalled a pivotal lesson from his professor, Oktay, in the 1980s: given an 8mm camera with “locked” reels lasting only three minutes, he and his classmates painstakingly created their short films—only to discover later that the cameras had been empty all along. “That day I learned that film isn’t recorded in the camera, but in the mind,” Kaplanoglu said, emphasizing the power of imagination and vision in the craft.

Kaplanoglu, born in 1963, is a celebrated Turkish screenwriter, director, and producer, internationally recognized for his Yusuf Trilogy (Egg, Milk, Honey). His film Honey won the Golden Bear at Berlinale 2010, telling the story of a young boy searching for his beekeeper father after the bees have vanished—a tale praised for its profound simplicity. This marked the first Turkish film to win a major Berlinale award since 1964.

The festival closed with the Macedonian film “DJ Ahmet”, directed by Gjorgji M. Unkovski with cinematography by Naum Doksovski, a film celebrated at 35 international festivals and awarded nearly twenty prizes. From October 1, audiences across Macedonia will be able to experience it in theaters.

Throughout the week, Bitola itself felt alive as part of the cinematic journey. The city’s cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and vibrant squares became the backdrop for conversations, screenings, and the quiet magic of discovery. The festival reminded everyone that the Brothers Manaki were more than pioneers; they were visionaries who captured the life, identity, and soul of this city on film. Today, Bitola continues to dream with them, hosting a festival that honors light, shadow, and the human imagination.

The 46th “Brothers Manaki” Festival proved that cinema is not just about screens and projectors—it is about legacy, community, and the unending dialogue between the past and the present, between filmmakers and audiences, and between dreams and reality.