George (2022)

The Peoria Riverfront Museum is proud to present, “George,” a short documentary film featuring well-known Peoria business owner, George Manias. 

The film gives an account of George’s shoe shining career, which has spanned 76 years, ever since he survived the Nazi occupation of Crete from 10-14 years old. The film also details George’s with the loss of his sister, Angela, his ongoing decision on whether or not to retire, and whether he can bear to visit Crete again without Angela by his side.

The film was directed by Peoria native, Matt Richmond, whose career has included roles as reporter, copywriter and producer for shows on CBS, Fox, MTV and more. In Richmond’s words, “’George’ is more than a documentation of George's life. It's a fairy tale about a man who exists apart from the modern world, toiling ceaselessly, right under our noses. A celebration of quiet consistency, humility and effort, ‘George’ is a story about appreciating the people we have before they're gone.”

“George” had its world premiere as an Official Selection at the St. Louis International Film Festival in November 2022. Additionally, the film is a finalist in the Kalamata International Short Documentary Film Festival in Kalamata, Greece. Additionally, it will play in the prestigious Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival in March, and in Lansing's Capital City Film Festival in April. "George" will also be featured in the 2023 Julien Dubuque International Film Festival. 

The first public showing of “George” was on Wednesday, December 7 at 2 p.m. 

A full list of screenings can be found HERE

"George" is sponsored by the George Manias Shoeshine Fund at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. 

To promote George's legacy for years to come, donate to the fund HERE