(Africa, animation, coping skills, creativity, struggles)
"Liyana" is a 2017 documentary directed by Aaron and Amanda Kopp. The film follows a group of orphaned children in Swaziland who, under the guidance of South African storyteller Gcina Mhlophe, create an original animated story about a brave young girl named Liyana. Blending documentary footage with vivid animation, the film captures the children's creative process as they draw on their own experiences of loss and resilience to bring Liyana's journey to life. As Liyana faces various challenges and embarks on a quest to save her twin brothers from kidnappers, the children's narration reveals their hopes, fears, and determination. "Liyana" is a powerful and uplifting testament to the healing power of storytelling and the strength of the human spirit, celebrating the creativity and resilience of these young storytellers.