Frank Cole (filmmaker) facts for kids

Frank Cole (1954 – 2000) was a Canadian filmmaker and adventurer. He made history in 1990 by becoming the first North American to cross the Sahara Desert alone on a camel. His amazing journey went all the way from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea. This incredible feat earned him a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. Frank Cole also made a documentary about his adventure called Life Without Death. This film won several awards and was even shown in theaters in Paris. Sadly, Frank Cole died during an attack by bandits near Timbuktu, Mali, in late October 2000.

Frank Cole's Early Life and Career

Frank Cole was born in Saskatchewan, Canada. His father worked in diplomacy, so Frank grew up in many different countries. He lived in places like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Czechoslovakia, Switzerland, and South Africa. Being a well-traveled person, he learned many languages.

He studied languages at Carleton University. Later, he learned how to make films at Algonquin College. He worked with famous film teachers like Peter Evanchuck and Peter Wintonick. Frank Cole made several films during his career. These include A Documentary (1979), The Mountenays (1981), A Life (1986), and Life Without Death (2000).

Crossing the Sahara Desert Alone

In 1990, Frank Cole achieved something truly remarkable. He crossed the vast Sahara Desert all by himself, riding a camel. He was the first North American to ever complete this journey. The trip took him more than 11 months to finish. He traveled about 7,300 kilometers (about 4,500 miles).

His route took him through several countries. He passed through Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad, and Sudan. Often, he traveled through areas where there were civil or tribal conflicts. His long journey finally ended at the Red Sea. This amazing adventure earned Frank Cole a special entry in the Guinness Book of Records. He used footage from this journey to create his well-known documentary, Life Without Death.