Small Small Thing

2014 • 84 minutes

About this movie

JFK Hospital in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia. Olivia is 9 years old, severely malnourished and handicapped. Believing her injuries to be the result of witchcraft, Olivia's mother had been hiding her for years. The doctors conclude her condition is the result of a brutal rape that took place when Olivia was 7 years old. When pressured to reveal her rapist, Olivia names her cousin. This diagnosis has severe consequences. Originally from deep in the jungle, Olivia and her mother are shunned from their tribe. They are left stranded in Monrovia at the mercy of President Sirleaf's government and the international community, facing the most difficult decision of all. What price are they willing to pay for justice? Small Small Thing premiered on Al Jazeera English in 2014, and has won Best Documentary at film festivals throughout the world.

Ratings and reviews

It took some time for me to get around to watching this. Being 2nd generation Liberian who's never visited I must admit I was eager to watch but at the same time terrified. 8 minutes into this documentary I had to pause and cover my eyes. This isn't your ordinary horror story, after watching I feel like life as been sucked out of me. I hope to go there some day and help, so much work needs to be done.