Anne Frank captured on film

The real Anne Frank, I mean, not an actor in a movie. This footage was shot from the street when a neighbor was getting married on July 22, 1941.

For a few seconds, the camera points upward and captures an excited, raven-haired young girl leaning out the window to catch a glimpse of the bride and groom.

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Less than a year after she leaned out of that window, Anne would receive an autograph book for her 13th birthday, a book she decided to use as a diary. A month after that, the family would go into hiding in the “Secret Annex”, the hidden top floors of her father’s office building.

Two years later, they would be betrayed and sent to their ultimate deaths in Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen. Only Otto, Anne’s father, would survive the death camps.

This is the only known footage of Anne Frank, courtesy of the bride and groom who have allowed the Anne Frank House to display it. It was uploaded to the brand new Official Anne Frank Channel 10 days ago.

Anne Frank writing, 1941The channel already offers a variety of eye-witness interviews, period footage and comments from contemporary luminaries on the enduring significance of Anne Frank and her diary.

They also have a sneak preview of the Anne Frank House virtual museum which will launch in April of next year. Once it’s up and running, you’ll be able to walk the halls of the Secret Annex as they were during the war.

Until then, you can learn more about Anne Frank and her world from the Anne Frank House website.