In 1933, Miep Gies found a new job as a secretary at Otto Frank’s company Opekta.
Her first days at work were different to what she had expected. Instead of starting in the office, Otto took her to the kitchen. He believed that she first had to master jam-making with Opekta products herself before she would be able to answer customers’ questions. In 1937, Miep starred in a demonstration film about using Opekta, which was also filmed in the office kitchen. At Anne Frank’s thirteenth birthday party, Otto showed the promotional film to all her guests, as well as a Rin Tin Tin film.
Years later, Miep was one of Opekta’s employees who played a crucial role in helping Otto Frank, his family and others hide in the Annex.
Photo 1: Miep Gies in Opekta’s kitchen in 2003. Photo Riekus Heller.
Video slide 2: Opekta demonstration film from 1937.
Photo television set: Marcin Wichary.
Photo 3: Opekta’s kitchen in 2018. Photo Cris Toala Olivares.