I’ll Be Frank

Animated documentary. 52 minutes.
Voiceover by legendary Australian actor John Gaden.

Nominated for Best Documentary / Factual Single at the Australian International Documentary Conference 2023.

First Prize ‘Hearst Minds Soul’ Award at Rhode Island International Film Festival 2022, celebrating films that reflect the Jewish experience.

Screened on SBS on April 13th, 2024.

Guided by the animated memories of his Opa, a young jewish man is taken on a journey through Nazi Germany to realise his heritage.

After receiving a German passport, Aaron takes to his grandfather’s (Frank’s) memoir to understand his connection to his new-found identity. Guided by Frank’s animated memories, Aaron searches for traces of his family's life in Germany and for his own connection to the place his family once called home. But when his research leads him down a dark path, Aaron is forced to confront a trauma that has long lay hidden under the surface of his family’s identity. Bringing to question, how much of the past is hidden in the present when we really look for it? The film is a testament to the new-wave of jewish people who have claimed back German citizenship and are coming to terms with their families' histories.

Worldwide Sales: Berta Film.

Based on ‘Some Memories of My Life’ by Frank Lucas.
Produced in collaboration with Studio Dropped.

Director/Editor Aaron Lucas
Producers Eloise Walker, Christina Schoefisch
DOP Stephen Korytko
1st AC Moritz Klammer, Marta Wlusek
Sound Recordist Michael Grisold
Lead Animator Ed Smith
Colour Grade Ben Packer
Original Score Tarek Soltani
Sound Design Luis Rumbolo and Jon Mendo
Sound Mix Dave Robertson
Voice Over John Gaden