A powerful, true story of two 13-year-old girls; Lea Deutsch — known as the Croatian Shirley Temple, and her dancing partner, Daria Gasteiger. Selling out theatres and praised by critics hailing from both Croatia and Europe, the dancing duo comes face to face with the political realities of World War II. During the Nazi persecution of Jews and the later German nationals’ flight from Communists, a dramatic friendship is born through entertainment and dance, but also anxiety.
Awards
- Special Honorary Mention – Detective International Film Festival, Russia, 2013
- Best Screenplay – International TV Festival Bar, Montenegro, 2012
- Best Actress – International TV Festival Bar, Montenegro, 2012
Festivals
- Temple Beit Israel, Fresno, USA, 2014
- Sedona Jewish Film Festival, USA, 2013
- Peru International Jewish Film Festival, 2013
- Religion Today Film Festival, Italy, 2013
Additional info
Gallery
« I saw the film at the Cannes Film Festival this year and was so exited.... that I chased the filmmaker all over Cannes,” said Rabbi Kipen (director of JFF Australia).» Australian Jewish News
“Two of the films of particularly powerful resonance are Branko Ivanda's, Lea and Daria, from Croatia, and Ami Drozd's My Australia, a joint Israeli and Polish production.” Tne Rosenbaum, HUFF POST NEW YORK
“today i saw the most awesome film at the jewish film festival. the film was lea and daria… i would like to eventually see the documentary, but i think that the historical fiction version is amazing. it really brings the story to life.” frum female blog
The most impressive film in the Festival! Frum Female, New York
In the hands of Branko and Lidija Ivanda this recreation of childhood rivalry is an artistic blend of feel good dance flick and edge-of-the-seat nail biter. ACMI, Melbourne
The lure of musical theater as an escapist fantasy takes a touching turn into magic realism.
Film Forward, Nora Lee Mandel, New York- Put on your dancing shoes but keep the tissues nearby for this lushly lensed featrure starring Croatia's top dance stars, filmed in and arround the majestic zagreb Theatre. New England Premiere
- An artistic blend of feel good dance flick and edge-of-the-seat nail biter... a beautiful treatment of story which deserves broad exposure. www.classiccinemas.com
- "Lea and Daria" is good, sad, occasionally fantastic movie ... Klara Naka, the actress who plays Lea, a talent and a beautiful childlike wisdom, worthy of its predecessor. Tamy Zajec little Daria, manages to deal with it. Dance scenes are absolutely great! Miljenko Jergović, Jutarnji list
- Ivanda finally all his cinematic experience invested in the best work that has been made ... What about the large cast of actors who appear in the movie! Fascinating ... Mirko Pivčević filming magic! ... LEA and DARIA will be today from a good spirit of Croatian Film. Mate Curic, a film critic
- The fine irony in which Zagreb babbitry escapist "sings and dances" while their fellow Jews, swallowing darkness ... the best part Ivanda’s film and fine critique of all totalitarianisms in the world... Ivan Zaknic, www.tportal.hr
- LEA and DARIA is a film that does not miss a look! Prof. Mario Juric, Cambridge University