Wrexham director's documentary to launch on Amazon Prime
Director Thomas Elliott Griffiths, who grew up in Wrexham, is best known for Autism: A Curious Case of the Human Mind (2017), Sticks and Feathers (2018), Captive (2019) and The Break (2020).
His latest documentary offers a rare glimpse inside Derian House Children's Hospice, in Lancashire - sharing the powerful and personal stories of families, staff, and volunteers.
Produced by Paul Woodward of Old Swan Films, 'The Little Things' was inspired by Woodward's own experience at Derian House, where his son, Kalel, received care until his passing in 2019.
This is just the beginning for the documentary, with plans for additional platforms and global release dates to be announced soon.
The film seeks to break down misconceptions about children's hospices, highlighting not just the challenges but also the love, support, and treasured memories created within.
'It is an honour to help bring these important stories to the screen,' said Thomas Elliott Griffiths, who studied Film and Television Production at Coleg Cambria before enrolling on the Film Studies course at Edge Hill University.
"The Little Things challenges the common perception of children's hospices. They can be misunderstood, and we wanted to capture the reality of hospice care. We didn't want to shy away from the sad or difficult moments, but we also wanted to show the joy, the humour, and the resilience that exists inside places like Derian House.'
'Both Tom and I are incredibly excited that our documentary will be able to be viewed by people across the UK and in America,' said Paul Woodward.
'The entire team at Old Swan Films worked incredibly hard to deliver a truly beautiful cinematic story. We have all taken Derian House to our hearts, and we hope audiences around the world will too. This is an opportunity for people to step inside a children's hospice and witness what truly happens behind the walls. They will be moved, and they will be filled with love.'
Lancashire-born Steve Pemberton, BAFTA-winning actor and writer (Inside No. 9, The League of Gentlemen), has been a vocal supporter of the project, joining the team as an Executive Producer.
'I think it's fantastic that 'The Little Things' will now be seen by audiences worldwide,' said Steve.
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'It is a deeply moving documentary exploring the incredible work of children's hospices, beautifully filmed at Derian House. To support this project is an honour, and I'm sure the film will touch the hearts of families everywhere who have experienced hospice care.'
Since its private screening, 'The Little Things' has gained industry recognition, receiving a nomination for the Smiley Charity Film Award, part of the world's largest cause-based film competition, and a five-star review from UK Film Review, which described the film as 'the most moving documentary I have seen in years,' praising it as 'inspiring, raw, honest, and insightful'.
'The Little Things' has garnered strong support from Together for Short Lives, a leading charity for seriously ill children, which works closely with the UK's 54 children's hospices.
Karen Edwards OBE, Chief Executive Officer at Derian House, said: 'This is incredible news for 'The Little Things' documentary, which is a powerful reminder of the difference hospice care makes, and we are so proud to share these stories with the world. The response to the film so far has been overwhelming, and we hope it inspires more people to support children's hospices.
'We are so grateful to Paul and Tom, and the team, for their generosity in giving up their time and using their talent to help us show the world what a wonderful place Derian House really is.'
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