Milton Manaki (Miltiadis Manakis, 1882–1964) was a seminal figure in the realms of cinema and photography within the Balkans. Alongside his brother Giannakis, he is often referred to as one of the "Lumière brothers of the Balkans." Their groundbreaking work began in 1905 when they produced the region's inaugural motion picture, capturing their 114-year-old grandmother as she spun wool in their hometown of Avdella, Grevena.
Born in 1882 in a Vlach village that was then part of the Ottoman Empire, Miltos Manakis made significant contributions to cultural documentation. Together, the Manaki brothers filmed 67 short movies, focusing on ethnographic and historical themes, including the visits of Sultan Mehmet V to Monastir and various scenes from the Balkan Wars. Their extensive body of work also comprises over 12,500 photographs that vividly depict the traditions, daily life, and stunning landscapes of Macedonia and Epirus.
In 1921, they established the "Manakia" Cinema in Monastir, which became a prominent cultural hub until its unfortunate destruction by fire. Their influence reached far into the cinematic world, inspiring filmmaker Theodoros Angelopoulos, who referenced their legacy in his 1995 film "The Gaze of Ulysses," where the protagonist seeks lost reels from the brothers. Today, the "Manaki Brothers" International Film Festival, held annually in Monastir, stands as the world's oldest festival dedicated to cinematography, celebrating their enduring impact on the art form.
