If he had a Linkedin profile, George Manias would have a single entry for his employment history. The 91-year-old shoeshine man would list “George’s Shoeshine & Hatters” in Peoria, Illinois as his sole work experience— for the past 76 years straight. Quite the accomplishment that’s made Manias a local legend.
But now, add to that a film— something not too many people can brag about.
Celebrating 76 years of work and becoming a beloved fixture in this corner of small town America, a local film director named Matt Richmond heard about Manias and believed his story was one that needed to be told, and preserved.
Richmond weaves a beautiful 30-minute story that’s more about a man running a long time business. There was a pilgrimage to Crete and a recounting of the difficult years of the Nazi occupation, as well as a death in the family that cost George dearly.
The film captures the essence of a beautiful soul who has served thousands of people passing through Peoria— simple businessmen, corporate CEOs— even U.S. Presidents and always treating everyone the same.
George has received numerous honors over the years for his dedication to his community. He’s been recognized on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, received citations from the Greek Orthodox Church and even named one of the local legends of Peoria.
But perhaps the biggest honor he has received— a film named after him that will preserve his remarkable story for generations to come.
Michael J. Fox famously said years ago that “pain is temporary but film is forever.”
“George” has screened at numerous festivals throughout the nation and internationally and is now available for public screening here.
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