Manaki Brothers Film Festival

Браќа Манаки

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Arts & CultureBitola
DatesDates TBA · Usually SeptemberCheck locally before booking
DurationAutumnEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsThe festival's core distinction is its
LanguageMacedonianCurrency: MKD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Manaki Brothers Film Festival in Bitola

The Manaki Brothers Film Festival, founded in 1979 in Bitola, North Macedonia, is the world's first and oldest festival dedicated specifically to cinematographers. Named for Yanaki and Milton Manaki, pioneers of Balkan cinema born in the city, the festival's 47th edition runs September 19-25, 2026, awarding the Camera 300 prize for the year's best cinematography, with past honorees including Sven Nykvist, Vittorio Storaro and Roger Deakins.

The Manaki Brothers Film Festival was founded in 1979 in Bitola, a city in southwestern North Macedonia, and holds the distinction of being the world's first film festival dedicated specifically to the art of cinematography.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The festival's core distinction is its exclusive focus on cinematography as a craft, honoring the director of photography rather than directors, actors or the film as a whole, a focus no other festival claimed before it launched in 1979

02

The mystery stays covered

Its location in Bitola carries direct historical significance, as the city was the home of Yanaki and Milton Manaki, brothers credited as pioneering figures of early Balkan cinema, giving the festival's setting genuine historical grounding

03

The city starts moving

The Camera 300 award has, over decades, gone to some of the most respected cinematographers in film history, including Sven Nykvist, Vittorio Storaro and Roger Deakins

04

The water draws everyone in

Bitola's recognition as a UNESCO City of Film in 2015 further reinforced the city's identity as a center of cinema heritage built around this festival

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival's defining tradition is its exclusive competitive focus on cinematography

Water and renewal

Living ritual

judged and awarded through the Camera 300 prize

The sacred route

Living ritual

alongside screenings

The local code

Living ritual

retrospectives and industry events held annually in Bitola since 1979 in honor of pioneering Balkan cinematographers Yanaki and Milton Manaki

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually September

Getting around

Use the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.

What to wear

Casual to smart-casual attire suits most screenings and daytime events; opening and awards ceremonies may call for smarter dress, particularly for attendees close to the official program or...

Safety

At Manaki Brothers Film Festival, agree on a meeting point and plan food, water and the return route before crowds thicken.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Bitola you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

MKD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map41.03 N, 21.34 EOpen in Google Maps

Bitola, Pelagonia, North Macedonia

Nearest airportOHD — Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle
TransportUse the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.
Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Bitola you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Bitola via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Bitola, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for September.Compare faresFestival gearCasual to smart-casual attire suits most screenings and daytime events; opening and awards ceremonies may call for smarter dress, particularly for attendees close to the official program or industry guests. Comfortable shoes are useful for moving between venues across Bitola.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for North Macedonia and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Manaki Brothers Film Festival?

Manaki Brothers Film Festival is listed for September · Autumn. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Manaki Brothers Film Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Bitola, North Macedonia. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Autumn is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Bitola, Pelagonia, North Macedonia

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLmanaki.com.mk
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually September
Source statusOfficial source linked
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