White sandy beaches dotted with tourists greet you as your flight to Monastir lands at the airport. Well, there is much to look forward to no matter what time of the year you plan your trip. Apart from getting the much needed sun, the city has a lot to offer in the form of shopping, restaurants, festivals and events.

The unique festival of cinematography is the oldest event in the world belonging to this genre and held in Monastir. The event was started in honor of the very first cameraman in the Balkan region, viz. Janaki and Milton Manaki, after whom the festival is named. The brothers shot their first documentary using the famous Camera 300 sometime in 1905. In the same year they opened their Studio of Art Photography, which soon became very popular in the region.

In 1906, the brothers took part in the Big World Exhibition held in Sinaia, Romania and went on to win it. Both brothers were highly acclaimed for their work in the world of cinematography, where they also received the title of Court Photographers to Carol I of Romania. Some of the significant film documentaries shot by the brothers include The Visit of Prince Aleksander to Bitola and The Celebration of the Religious Festival Epiphany.

Most of these films depicted the social, political, cultural and economic life of the Balkans. It also presented a contrast between the life in the past and present, thus helping people reflect on the cultural heritage of the region.

Every year the festival is held in Monastir, now known as Bitola, to honor the cinematographers from all over the world. It is generally organized in September end or first week of October. However, the tradition actually started in former Yugoslavia, where it was organized solely as a festival of Yugoslav cinematography.

Todays cinema being more digitally inclined, the festival looks to promote the artistic side of making cinema, no matter how advanced the technology may become. The event exudes positive energy in both the participants and the visitors attending it. It is held with a view to appreciate the talent of cinematographers, both young and old. The awards are given away in the form of Golden, Silver and Bronze Camera 300. It is not only an award ceremony but more of meeting of talented artists from all parts of the world. The festival also includes workshops by leading artists invited as guests for the event.