Behind the scenes

Sensitive to the raw language which pervades hip-hop culture, Director France, and producer Luis Moro insisted that all her actors respect her intention to make a PG-rated film before they signed on. In an exclusive interview, Ms. France told the WORLD JEWISH DIGEST she had two reasons for this requirement. First she wanted the film to be suitable for everyone, including Anne’s legions of young readers: “Urban family entertainment is rare. We wanted to make a film that an 8-year old and a 90-year old could watch together and we would not feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.”

The second motivation was her respect for Anne Frank’s legacy. When Antonio Macia, who plays one of Cynthia’s teachers in the film, wrote the original screenplay, he paraphrased Anne’s words. Once the film was a go, however, producer Luis Moro contacted the Anne Frank Foundation in Switzerland and received permission to quote extensively from the actual text. According to Ms. France, Buddy Elias, one of Anne’s last surviving relatives and the President of the Foundation, was extremely supportive.

Music was performed by Janice (J Nice) Richardson, who is an R& B singer, and learned how to rap for the film. The end credits has a music video by: Grammy award winner, Paula Cole’s music video “Be Somebody”.