Director’s victory tempered by ‘survivor’s guilt’

AS gratifying as her award for best documentary short subject was, “Chernobyl Heart” director Maryann DeLeo’s victory was tempered by the “survivor’s guilt” she felt after investigating the tragic fallout of the Soviet nuclear reactor meltdown.

The American witnessed the devastation first hand after several visits to the victims. "You do feel like: Why are we going to be able to go back to a country and live your life and not worry about it while these people are fighting for their kids with holes in their hearts and other terrible birth defects?" said DeLeo.

There were also more tangible lingering effects for DeLeo she tested positive for minor radiation poisoning upon her return. "Compared to the people there, you don't think about it," she said.