Frank and the Bell follows veteran wreck diver Frank Benoit as he recounts a daring 1990s dive to recover a historic World War II artifact. Through his personal journey, this documentary explores the extreme challenges of deep-sea exploration and the evolving ethics of maritime preservation. Frank and the Bell examines the shifting perspectives on artifact recovery regulation and the delicate balance between adventure and responsibility. Ultimately, the film highlights how history—once hidden in the depths—can shape the present, if we choose to remember it.

Director’s Vision for ‘Frank and the Bell’

‘ve always been fascinated by maritime history and the untold stories hidden beneath the ocean. When I met Frank Benoit, I saw a man whose experiences embodied the early days of wreck exploration, an era of adventure, risk, and discovery before modern ethics around artifact recovery were fully formed. His story of recovering a long-lost World War II artifact offers a glimpse into a time when divers operated with fewer restrictions, driven by curiosity and a deep connection to history. While artifact recovery is controversial today, I wanted to capture the evolution of wreck diving, how perspectives have shifted, and what that means for the way we engage with the past. Frank and the Bell isn’t just about one dive—it’s about the thrill of discovery, the weight of responsibility, and how history, once lost to the depths, continues to shape us.