We have been working for a year to bring this amazing work of art to Flint! It's one week away and we are so excited.
LIYANA is a genre-defying documentary that tells the story of five children in the Kingdom of Eswatini who turn past trauma into an original tale about a girl named Liyana who embarks on a perilous quest to save her young twin brothers. The film weaves her animated journey together with poetic documentary scenes to create an inspiring story of perseverance and hope.
Executive produced by Emmy-winner Thandie Newton, and produced by Oscar-winner Daniel Junge, LIYANA features innovative animated artwork by Shofela Coker and an original score by Philip Miller. Critically acclaimed as exquisite, a staggering feature debut, and one of the year's very best, LIYANA has played at festivals around the world, including the British Film Institute's London Film Festival and MoMA's Doc Fortnight, and has won more than 35 jury and audience awards so far. The Sunday Times describes Aaron & Amanda Kopp's directorial debut as, part documentary, part animation, and pure magic.
This is more than just a movie. It is a story of hope and bravery. It is about healing. It is about family and challenging the definition of family.
The children in the movie are just like our children at El Shaddai. Each have their own story to tell, but the feelings and emotions that are a result of abandonment and loss are the same.
If you can't make it to our movie, you can still donate. One hundred percent of the funds raised go to the children!
Education is not free for secondary students (Grade 8-12) in eSwatini and a new year starts in January. Help us send our kids to school and send them on a path to healing and success. We are committed to helping our kids learn a skill or trade or attend university. Each child is has a unique set of skills and abilities and we are working to foster their strengths and send them on a path that sets them up for having a future filled with hope. To do that, we need your help in saving so we can help each child receive the training they need. Education is a gift that nobody can take away.