SCREENINGS

SYNOPSIS

Shortly after World War II, 5,000 young children from Austria were sent to host families in Portugal, where they were to recover from the violence of the war. They were often taken in by wealthy families; for most of the children, it was a vacation in paradise. The contrast to their living conditions at home and the extreme class society in Portugal left a deep impression on the young Austrians*. They did not know that they were coming to a colonial power with a dictator. And yet, from the very beginning, a fascist ideal plays a role: at the dock, the children are examined like cattle and selected by their foster parents: the pretty blondes first.

The film, which works exclusively with original photos and film footage, only gradually reveals the complexity of this experience. In doing so, it makes clever references to the present. Carefully composed sound effects enhance the immersive atmosphere of this little-known story, while off-screen the former “guest children” recall this extraordinary time, which was confusing for all involved – hosts and guests alike.