PARIS — On the heels of winning the European Film Award for best animated film with “The Congress,” Israeli helmer Ari Folman has unveiled his next project: a family-skewed toon based on Anne Frank’s diary.
“Bringing the Anne Frank diary to all screens is a fantastic opportunity and challenge as there is a real need for new artistic material to keep the memory alive for younger generations,” said Folman, who earned an Oscar nomination in 2008 with “Waltz With Bashir,” an arresting hybrid feature set in war-torn Lebanon.
The Anne Frank-themed feature is produced by Purple Whale Films, a new Belgian based outfit launched by Ari Folman’s Israeli production outfit, Bridgit Folman Film Gang, and Diana Elbaum’s Belgian shingle Entre Chien et Loup.
Folman and Elbaum last collaborated on “The Congress,” a live action/animation hybrid featuring a cast led by Robin Wright and Paul Giamatti. It had its world premiere in Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight.
Film rights have been negotiated by Ari Folman and Diana Elbaum, who have been granted full access to the archives of the Anne Frank Fonds Basel founded by Otto Frank, and of the branches worldwide.
Rights were granted for international distribution and cover all media and languages.
Production is due to start in the winter of 2014.
