Through the Eyes of the Photographer

Incredibly energetic and popular Slovak photographer Zuzana Minacova (84) has been an influential presence in Czech and Slovak photography for more than fifty years. She has had exhibitions in 30 countries all over the world. Her artistic experiments put her decades ahead of her time. Her photos of Robert de Niro, Sharon Stone, Gina Lollobrigida, Michael Douglas, Whoopi Goldberg, Woody Harrelson, Scarlett Johansson, Ben Kingsley, Keira Knightley, Danny de Vito, Antonio Banderas, Jude Law and many other stars of world cinema are legendary. But still, this successful and ever-optimistic woman is being haunted by a tormenting childhood secret that won't let her sleep in peace. Her only solution is to relate the story of a great childhood love between herself, a Jewish girl, and a Christian boy, Peter. She sets out on an incredibly difficult journey. She revisits the Auschwitz concentration camp where, 70 years previously, she had suffered the most horrendous moment of her life. Will she find peace at last and come to terms with her past? Minacova reveals the principles of her artistic work, the background of photographing great stars. Her stories, full of humor, wisdom, and tragic moments from the Nazi and Communist era all form a fascinating testimony of a woman who has never given up on living a decent, meaningful life.