Two-time Oscar-winning filmmaker Richard Trank has established his independent production company, Sea Point Films and Media, marking a new chapter after his long tenure at the Simon Wiesenthal Center's Moriah Films division.
Sea Point Films and Media will focus on both nonfiction and narrative storytelling. Trank, whose two Oscar wins for Best Documentary Feature: "Genocide" (1981) and "The Long Way Home" in 1997 recognized his work documenting post-World War II Jewish refugees, brings a wealth of experience to his new venture. His previous work includes critically acclaimed documentaries such as "Liberation," which chronicled the Allied campaign to free Europe, and "I Have Never Forgotten You," a portrait of Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal.
Among the initial projects at Sea Point Films and Media is the documentary "Always 28." This film will shed light on the story of Nathan B. Baskind, a Jewish-American soldier who was wounded on D-Day, captured by Nazi forces, and died in their custody. The documentary will follow an organization's efforts to locate his remains and ensure his dignified return, which occurred in 2024 as part of "Operation Benjamin".
Another significant undertaking is the documentary "The Road Home," which will explore the resilience of Israelis following the October 7th attacks. The film aims to capture narratives of strength and perseverance in the aftermath of this significant historical trauma.
Expanding into narrative storytelling, Sea Point Films and Media is developing a series titled "Toto & Coco." This project, based on Alan Frame's book, is linked to the historical figures of Toto Koopman, a Vogue cover girl and spy during World War II, and Coco Chanel, the iconic fashion designer whose wartime allegiances were complex. The series is expected to delve into the difficult choices individuals face during times of global upheaval.