Liyana

Liyana is a visually stunning documentary that follows five orphaned children in Swaziland as they collaborate to write and animate a fairy tale. Their story, born from their own experiences and imaginations, becomes a powerful metaphor for their lives and their hopes for the future. The film interweaves their creative process with the animated fantasy, offering a unique and moving exploration of childhood resilience.

Liyana has been widely praised for its innovative storytelling, its tender portrayal of the children, and its hopeful message. Critics lauded the seamless integration of the animated sequences with the real-life experiences of the subjects, creating a deeply emotional and thought-provoking film. It resonated with audiences for its powerful depiction of imagination as a tool for healing and self-discovery.

• A uniquely structured and deeply moving documentary that utilizes animation to explore profound themes.

• Praised for its hopeful message and its sensitive portrayal of childhood resilience.

• The blend of real-life narratives and animated fantasy is masterfully executed.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly loved Liyana, highlighting its beautiful animation, heartwarming story, and inspiring message about the power of imagination and resilience in overcoming adversity. Many found the film deeply touching and memorable.

Winner of the Audience Award at the Bergen International Film Festival, Winner of the Audience Award at the DOC NYC, Winner of the Audience Award at the Twin Cities Film Fest, and nominated for Grand Jury Prize at Sundance Film Festival.

The animated sequences in Liyana were created by artists who had never animated before, learning as they worked alongside the children, mirroring the film's themes of collaboration and emergent creativity.