Liyana

With the help of a professional storyteller, five orphaned children heal the scars of their own lives in Swaziland by creating their own original tale about a courageous heroine, Liyana, who comes alive through amazing artistry. AIDS, alcoholism and abuse touch the lives of these precious children, but with the integrity of innocence, they create a new world of hope and dignity, despite all odds, in the guise of the fictional character, Liyana. The animated tale is about Liyana's dangerous quest to rescue her young twin brothers through faith and perseverance. It is interwoven with poetic documentary footage of the creative process in the classroom and countryside. Liyana is a genre-defying celebration of collective storytelling, and Liyana the character, the pearl at its center. What would happen if everyone had a storyteller to help them release their trauma, finally digesting it and polishing it till it gleamed like a pearl?

REEL HEALING: Tell Your Tale
In a Reel Healing meant for children ages 8-14, kids will have an opportunity to work with a professional storyteller and illustrator who will help them create their own characters and develop a story. In the same spirit as the film, with the help of the artist, children will fashion a tale from beginning to end.


   
Cast & Crew   Technical
Director:
Aaron Kopp, Amanda Kopp

Executive Producers:
Thandie Newton, Lisa Schejola Akin, Susan MacLaury, Albie Hecht

Producer:
Amanda Kopp, Aaron Kopp, Sakheni Dlamini, Davis Coombe, Daniel Junge

Cinematographer:
Aaron Kopp

Editor:
Aaron Kopp & Davis Coombe

Principal Cast:
Gcina Mhlophe (as self) 		  Country:
USA / Swaziland

Run Time:
77 min

Year:
2017

Language:
English
 

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