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Liyana

Play trailer 2:00 Poster for Liyana 2018 1h 17m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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97% Tomatometer 36 Reviews 71% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
A Swazi girl embarks on a dangerous mission to save her twin brothers.
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Liyana

Liyana

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Critics Consensus

Empowering children to share their experiences, Liyana amplifies marginalized voices and iterates storytelling's healing properties, gifting us a joyful documentary.

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Critics Reviews

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Ben Sachs Chicago Reader Apr 9, 2020
Like Abbas Kiarostami's documentary ABC Africa (2001), the result is an unexpectedly joyous film about heavy subjects. Go to Full Review Karen Han L.A. Weekly Oct 22, 2018
If the rule is "show, don't tell," then Liyana is a success. Go to Full Review Kimber Myers Los Angeles Times Oct 18, 2018
The children's stories alone would have been compelling, but illustrating them in this medium adds even more depth, nuance and emotion. Go to Full Review Betsy Bozdech AWFJ.org Oct 11, 2021
The two worlds the film captures - the orphans' African home and Liyana's gorgeously rendered environment - are ultimately beautiful, despite all of the pain and tragedy they hold... Go to Full Review Cate Marquis AWFJ.org Oct 11, 2021
In lesser hands, this documentary could have been something simple and too sweet, but Aaron Kopp, who grew up in Swaziland, and his wife Amanda, wisely let the children' express their darker thoughts as well as the hopeful ones. Go to Full Review Kip Mooney College Movie Review Aug 21, 2021
B
While much of the story is basic Joseph Campbell Hero's Journey stuff, like any story, it's made memorable by its details. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Annabel B @RT52426469 Apr 2, 2026 One of the most unique and heartwarming stories I’ve ever watched. The children in it are so brave and the story and animation are so beautiful. I have no idea what kinda of monster could call this movie bad. Those people must be heartless. One of the most beautiful films I’ve ever seen. See more Nov 1, 2021 Worse than the worse movie. See more Oct 25, 2021 A little interesting and will pass the time, but that is about it. See more Nov 28, 2019 A true work of art. Beautiful in concept and visually stunning. See more Nov 23, 2019 Inspirational, heartwarming, and visually stunning. See more Nov 18, 2019 absolute fucking shit, not worth you or ur kids time See more Read all reviews
Liyana

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Cast & Crew

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Aaron Kopp

Director

Amanda Kopp

Director

Gcina Mhlophe

Actor

Albie Hecht

Executive Producer

Susan MacLaury

Executive Producer

Davis Coombe

Producer

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Liyana

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Liyana

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Movie Info

Synopsis A Swazi girl embarks on a dangerous mission to save her twin brothers.
Director
Aaron Kopp, Amanda Kopp
Producer
Davis Coombe, Sakheni Dlamini, Daniel Junge, Aaron Kopp, Amanda Kopp
Distributor
Abramorama
Production Co
Doha Film Institute, Intaba Creative, Shine Global
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 10, 2018, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 19, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA)
$23.1K
Runtime
1h 17m
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