By Daniela Calderon
“Liyana” is unlike any documentary/animation film that I’ve seen before. For this film, Director Aaron and Amanda Kopp found the perfect balance between documentary storytelling and animation and brought to us the amazing story of a young girl who takes on a dangerous journey to rescue her young twin brothers. The documentary side of the film offers insight into the real lives of orphaned children from Swaziland, while Shofela Coker’s animations brought Liyana to life, and along the way these two narratives got interwoven to create the hybrid masterpiece that “Liyana” is.
During the director’s Q&A, Aaron Kopp revealed that he had grown up in Swaziland himself, and that he has established a years-long relationship with the children prior to the making of the film; and that relationship and comfort was translated onto the big screen beautifully. Featuring what must be the happiest ending credits in the entire Miami Film Festival, the film flows with flawless cinematography, editing, and sound design –making it an overall magical experience. On that same note, The Landmark at Merrick Park had super comfortable seats, which perhaps helped a little bit as well. “When people remember Liyana, I want them to remember us, and our words.” The children said, and trust me when I say that the endearing story of “Liyana“will stay with me throughout my life, and my film career.
MIAMI FILM FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE 