It originally aired on television in April 1995 before it was screened theatrically by Sony Pictures Classics in February 1996.

In a moving scene, filmed as it happened, a tearful Pfeffer offers "Vielen Dank" ("many thanks") to Gies for her efforts to save his father.

Blair filmed in the real locations of Frank's life, including the neighbourhood Anne grew up in, the "Achterhuis" of Prinsengracht 263 (where she and her family lived in hiding) in Amsterdam, and the Westerbork and Auschwitz Concentration Camps.

He was also able to obtain a train similar to those used during World War II to recreate the scenes of people being transported to Auschwitz.

The camera cuts for just seven seconds to a balcony, where Anne Frank stands watching the bride and groom on the footpath below.