On March 4, 2025, France 2 will air Anne Frank, journal d'une adolescence, commemoratively exploring the life of the iconic Jewish teenager Anne Frank, who died 80 years ago at the age of 15, during the Holocaust.
This compelling documentary, directed by Alexandre Moix, marks the poignant anniversary of Frank's death at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp and seeks to bring her powerful narrative to life for contemporary audiences.
Within this documentary, viewers can expect to see historical footage, photographs, and reenactments showcasing Frank’s life as she, along with her family, hid for more than 760 days from the oppressive Nazi regime. Through the lens of the infamous diary she wrote during her time of hiding, the film intertwines her ordinary teenage dreams and daily life with the extraordinary circumstances surrounding her.
For more than two years, Anne documented her experiences, fears, and hopes from the secret annex of her father's business establishment hidden away in Amsterdam. She engaged with her imaginary friend, Kitty, crafting narratives filled with youthful aspirations yet haunted by the war's realities. This unique angle provides audiences access to the adolescent struggles of not just Anne but also offers parallels to today's youth.
Moix’s recollection of reading The Diary of Anne Frank two years prior to making the documentary revealed the timelessness of her story. He stated, "I thought it would be interesting to present a new reading of the Diary for the 80th anniversary of her death, as she can still resonate with today’s teenagers." This approach uniquely frames Anne as relatable to modern audiences, highlighting the universality of youth—a facet not often emphasized in previous portrayals.
France 2’s programming includes another documentary titled Quand tu écouteras cette chanson, based on the experience of author Lola Lafon, who spent the night at the Anne Frank Museum. This immersion inspired her book, allowing her to express how Anne Frank’s reality informs issues surrounding identity and resilience among young people.
Critically, the documentary has received mixed reviews. According to Le Parisien, the film is described as "a tremendous docu-fiction capable of speaking to all adolescents." Meanwhile, L’Humanité acknowledges Moix's fresh perspective, stating he adopts "a contemporary outlook on the history of this young Jewish Dutch girl, particularly intimate and captivating."
Conversely, critiques from Télérama suggest the film skims over its subject without sufficient depth, arguing it aims too much for dramatic effectiveness at the expense of historical accuracy, yet acknowledges the powerful performance of actress Suliane Brahim as she reads excerpts from the diary.
Rather than serving merely as another retelling of Frank's tragic narrative, the film aspires to position itself as part of the long line of adaptations since the diary's first publication back in 1950, when Otto Frank, her father, decided to share her story with the world. Many adaptations followed, including George Stevens' notable film and Ari Folman's animated version released just last year.
The documentary's unique angle includes previously unexploited passages added to the diary post-publication, which explore themes of sexuality and feminism. These revelations allow for Anne's voice to be presented as more than just the concerns of World War II but as reflections of universal adolescent identity struggles.
“I’ve discovered her maturity, intelligence, and great sensitivity,” said Moix. “We truly laugh and feel moved by her writing. She captures every human emotion we experience, whether it is fear, jealousy, or exasperation—ultimately providing hope.”
Anticipation for the documentary mounts as many adolescents involved with the production reported feeling close to Anne Frank and recognized her as more than just historical fiction; she felt like someone they could connect with today. This connection captures the awe surrounding Anne Frank's legacy, as it embodies messages of hope and resilience.
Overall, tonight’s airings on France 2 mark not only the poignant 80th anniversary of Anne Frank's passing but also reaffirm the enduring relevance of her voice and experiences. Viewers can tune in for Anne Frank, journal d'une adolescence at 21:10, as it promises to engage and inspire across generations.