Under the guidance of acclaimed South African storyteller, Gcina Mhlophe, five orphaned children from Swaziland collaborate to craft a collective fairytale drawn from their darkest memories and brightest dreams. Their fictional character, Liyana, is brought to life in innovative animated artwork as she embarks on a perilous quest to rescue her young twin brothers. The children’s real and imagined worlds begin to converge, and they must choose what kind of story they will tell – in fiction and in their own lives.
This genre-defying film weaves an original animated hero’s journey with poetic documentary scenes to create an inspiring tale of perseverance. Liyana is a tribute to creativity, the strength of the human spirit, and the healing power storytelling.
Critically acclaimed, and executive produced by award-winning actress, Thandie Newton, Liyana has won more than 25 jury and audience awards and screened at more than 80 film festivals around the world including the British Film Institute’s London Film Festival and MoMA’s Doc Fortnight.
Wednesday, October 10th, 7:00 pm: Q&A with co-directors Aaron Kopp and Amanda Kopp, and subjects (and creative collaborators) Phumlani, Zweli and Nomcebo.
Maysles Cinema, 343 Malcolm X Boulevard, New York, NY 10027
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