Most of us know the story of Anne Frank, the young woman who kept a diary during her time hiding from the Nazis during World War II and who, along with most of her family, was killed in the Holocaust. But the story you may not be as familiar with is that of Miep Gies, who went to great lengths to hide the Franks and other families for two years.
Now Gies’ story is coming to the small screen across several Disney properties in the eight-part limited series A Small Light, which stars Bel Powley as Gies and Liev Schreiber as Otto Frank, Anne’s father. The series will premiere on Monday, May 1 with two episodes.
Say co-creators and executive producers Joan Rater and Tony Phelan, “People may know the story of Anne Frank and her family, but what happened outside the annex walls was just as powerful, inspiring, and resonant. When we heard about Miep and [her husband] Jan’s inherent strength in risking their lives for others during the occupation, we were blown away. We hope it leaves a lasting impact on viewers and helps to show the importance of discovering untold stories of the Holocaust and the lessons it continues to teach.”
Below, everything you need to know about the series.
What is A Small Light about, and how does it differ from other Anne Frank biopics?
The limited series is about the true story of a young secretary named Miep Gies. She and her husband, Jan, decided to hide her boss Otto Frank, who was Jewish, and his family (including daughter Anne) from the Nazis during World War II. Even though doing so was illegal and could have gotten her killed, Miep agreed without hesitation. For the next two years, the Gies, along with several other everyday heroes, watched over the Frank, van Pels, and Pfeffer families in their secret annex.
Per NatGeo, “A life once filled with parties and pints, the series details how Miep’s life changed the moment she said ‘yes’.’ From daily food runs to scrounging for ration coupons to selling beloved heirlooms, it took countless selfless sacrifices. In the end, it was Miep who found Anne Frank’s diary and preserved it so that she and Otto could later share it with the world to ensure it served as a testament for generations to come.”
Filmed on location in Amsterdam and Prague, A Small Light also reveals that in addition to hiding the eight souls in the annex from the Nazis, the brave couple was simultaneously hiding many others in and around Amsterdam with the help of the Dutch Resistance.
Unlike many notable Anne Frank stories, A Small Light is told from Miep’s perspective.
Do we have a trailer?
Yes, it premiered on April 4. Take a look:
Who stars in the limited series?
Bel Powley (The Morning Show, Everything I Know About Love) plays Miep Gies, who helped hide her boss, Otto Frank, and his family in her attic. Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan) plays Otto Frank, the father to Anne Frank. Gies’ husband, Jan, is played by Joe Cole.
