DNEVNIK DIANE BUDISAVLJEVIC

Diana Budisavljević, born Diana Obexer, in Innsbruck, lives together with her husband in Zagreb. When Ante Pavelić advances to fascist dictator in Croatia persecution of Romani and Jews, akin to that in Germany, as well as that of ethnic Serbs, is set in motion. Diana B. finds herself in a state of shock, not least since her husband is Serbian Orthodox. It's not long before mass killings and deportations follow: families are torn apart and thousands of children are abandoned to their fate in Ustaše camps. Refusing to remain silent Diana B. makes the most of her privileged status as an affluent Austrian in order to set a huge rescue mission in motion. With the help of but a few comrades-in-arms she manages to save over 7,000 children from the camps.

With THE DIARY OF DIANA B. director Dana Budisavljević, almost a namesake of the film's central character, brings a little-known chapter of Croatian history to the big screen. Diligently employing eyewitness reports and archive material, the result is a parable of humanity, as well as a portrait of a fearless woman. At the Pula Film Festival the film was the recipient of standing ovations, not to mention several awards, including those for Best Film, the Audience Award and the Fedeora Award. RH