Animated Anne Frank movie in the works

Israeli director Ari Folman has committed to writing and directing an animated feature based on the life of Anne Frank, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Folman’s 2008 animated film “Waltz With Bashir,” about the 1982 invasion of Lebanon, was nominated for an Oscar, and his Israeli TV series “Be Tipul” was the basis for HBO’s “In Treatment.”

This is his first foray into the family-friendly realm.

“Bringing the Anne Frank Diary to all screens is a fantastic opportunity and challenge,” Folman said. “There is a real need for new artistic material to keep the memory alive for younger generations.”

To paint the picture of who she was, Folman will have more material than just the well-known contents of Frank’s diary. The Anne Frank Fonds Basel, set up by her father Otto Frank, has granted the filmmakers total access to their archives. This will apply, as well, to their other branches, worldwide.

Production is scheduled to begin in the winter of 2014.