Documentary,Animation
Qatar,United States of America,Swaziland
Liyana is a documentary film that tells the story of a group of orphans in Swaziland who use storytelling to imagine a better future for themselves and their country. The film follows the creation of a fictional heroine, also named Liyana, who embarks on a dangerous quest to rescue her twin brothers from a villainous goat-headed monster.
The children, all of whom have experienced trauma and loss in their lives, work together to develop the story of Liyana, drawing inspiration from their own experiences and hopes for the future. As they work on the story, the film weaves together stunning animations that bring Liyana's journey to life.
Over the course of the film, the lines between fiction and reality become blurred as the children's stories begin to reflect their own lives and struggles. Through the character of Liyana, they are able to explore themes of loss, trauma, and resilience, and ultimately find a way to reimagine the future in a way that is both empowering and hopeful.
Liyana was directed by Aaron and Amanda Kopp, and premiered at the 2017 LA Film Festival, where it won the Documentary Jury Award for Best Documentary Feature. The film has since gone on to receive critical acclaim and has been screened at festivals around the world.
