In a world that can often feel overwhelmed by darkness, it’s easy to feel powerless, to believe that one person can’t truly make a difference. But history has shown us time and time again that a single small light can shine so brightly that it illuminates an entire path or ignites a movement. Miep Gies was just such a light, and you can watch her story in a new Disney+ limited series, A Small Light.

What is A Small Light about?

A Small Light on Disney+ brings to life the inspiring and extraordinary true story of Miep Gies, who risked her own life to hide Anne Frank, her family, and four others in a secret annex for two years during World War II. A Small Light chronicles Miep’s incredible courage and compassion in the face of tremendous odds.

Miep provided food, comfort, and love to the Frank family throughout the terrifying two years they were hidden in the annex. She was also instrumental in preserving Anne’s diary after the family’s arrest by providing a safe hiding place for it until it could be retrieved later by Otto Frank, Anne’s father.

Who was Miep Gies?

Miep was a Dutch Christian who worked for Anne’s father, Otto Frank. In 1942, When Otto asked her to help hide his family, she did not even hesitate to say yes. “It was a matter of course for me,” she told the Anne Frank Magazine in 1998. “We did our human duty: helping people in need.”

Miep entered the annex to bring food, books, news of the outside world, and hope. But she did more than just provide physical sustenance – her courage and compassion became a source of light that kept the occupants of the annex going in their darkest days.

It was Miep who hid Anne’s diary after the family was discovered and arrested in August 1944. She kept it safe for Anne’s father, and handed it over to him after the end of the war. That diary eventually became a best-selling book and one of the most powerful testimonies to human resilience in the face of oppression.

A Small Light brings to life Miep’s inspiring story, portraying her bravery and courage as she risked her own life to protect others. It also shows us that despite grave danger and uncertainty, we can still find light even when it seems like darkness is everywhere.

A tribute to everyday heroes

The story of Anne Frank has been retold so many ways, but A Small Light stands out from past retellings because of its unique focus. This series isn’t centered around the Franks, but the everyday heroes who are often overlooked in history, if not entirely forgotten.

“In that dark time of the war, we did not stand on the sidelines, but extended our hands to help others,” Miep Gies said. “Risking our own lives. We could not have done more.”

Is A Small Light historically accurate?

The series is based on the story of Anne Frank, as well as accounts from Miep Gies and other eyewitnesses. However, quite a few plot points have been fictionalized for storytelling purposes. For instance, the series sidelines the story of Bep Voskuijl, a younger woman who also helped the Franks. But in spite of these creative liberties, the series’ overall message is still in line with history.

It couldn’t be more timely

It’s sad how A Small Light remains relevant in 2023 — 80 years since World War II. “Today there’s never been so much fascism — visible fascism — since the Nazis,” says Amira Casar (who plays Edith Frank, Anne’s mother) in an exclusive interview with 8List.ph. “And this is one of the tragedies of our time. I mean, these are very regressive times and we must not submit to this.”

History does repeat itself, but A Small Light is also a reminder of courage, hope, and resilience in the face of adversity. It also shows us how even one small light can provide strength and guidance in times of darkness. We could all use a reminder of this right now — A Small Light offers it to us with compassion and insight.

Watch A Small Light on Disney+.