'My Father's Secrets' Coming To UK Jewish Film Festival, Digital Platforms this November

Animation is still stereotyped as primarily telling light-hearted stories for children. But it can just as effectively be used to cover much more serious subject-matter. Films such as Funan, The Breadwinner and Another Day Of Life all cover serious events based on real-life happenings. We can add to that list My Father's Secrets which deals with the struggles of an Auschwitz survivor.

Set in the 1960's in Belgium following brothers Michel and Charly, living a happy childhood with their Jewish family. But their father, Henri Kichka is very secretive and refuses to reveal his past. The two brothers imagine him as an adventurer, a pirate and a treasure hunter, but what is he really hiding? Unwilling to share his story of survival in Auschwitz, My Father's Secrets is the story of his sons and their journey to understanding their Father's past.

The 2D/3D animated film is based on the acclaimed graphic novel by Michel Kichka, based on his own experiences. The English language version features a star-studded cast of Jewish actors including Elliot Gould, David Baddiel, Miriam Margoyles and Tracy-Ann Oberman.  The film is directed by Vera Belmont, with David Freeman directing the English-language version.

The screenplay was adapted by Vera Belmont and Valerie Zenatti.

The film was screened at various film festivals, including Cannes in 2022. It went on to score a nomination for a Lumiere Award for Best Animated Film. It will receive it's UK Premiere at the UK Jewish Film Festival on November 16, followed by a Q&A with David Baddiel and director David Freeman.

My Father's Secrets will then be released on digital platforms in the UK and Ireland from November 27 from Blue Finch Films.