Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, acting as patron, declared the 47th edition of the Manaki Brothers International Cinematographers’ Film Festival open and presented the Golden Camera 300 award to this year’s laureate, Danish cinematographer Dan Laustsen, according to a statement from her office.
In her address, the president noted that Manaki Brothers has long since ceased to be merely a festival; it is a cultural institution with recognized international standing, a proven cultural identity, and a long-standing spiritual and emotional bridge connecting Macedonian and Balkan cinema with the global film world.
According to the Macedonian head of state, the festival’s theme this year “Weavers of Film” serves as an exceptionally powerful metaphor, for film is woven from light and shadow, color and movement, sound and silence, volcanic emotions, original ideas and powerful visions, from the past, present, and future, from tradition and innovation, and from the experience of great masters and the courage of new generations.
“From the pioneering feat of Janaki and Milton Manaki to the contemporary pinnacle achievements of world cinema, this festival story continues to be woven as a precious cultural heritage on the loom of film,” said President Siljanovska-Davkova.