The Biographical Drama 'A Small Light' Filmed Across Europe in These Locations
May 1 2023, Published 4:50 p.m. ET
The biographical drama miniseries A Small Light depicts the story of Miep Gies, a Dutch citizen who is asked by her employer, Otto Frank, to hide his family from the Nazis during World War II. The Frank family and four other Jewish people were successfully hidden for two years in an annex before being discovered and arrested. While most are familiar with the story of Anne Frank, the story of Miep Gies' courage in the face of evil is lesser known.
What were the A Small Light filming locations? Did the miniseries crew venture to the real-life location where Miep Gies hid the Frank family? Keep reading for what you need to know.
The 'A Small Light' filming locations were spread across Europe.
According to a report from Deadline in April 2022, production for the miniseries began in July 2022 in Hradec Králové, Prague, and Amsterdam. It is unknown if the production was allowed to film at the Anne Frank House, formerly the offices of Opekta, where Otto Frank worked and eventually hid.
Actress Bel Powley, best known for her work on The Morning Show, portrays Miep Gies, while Liev Schreiber portrays Otto Frank. Joe Cole as Jan Gies plays Jan Gies, while Amira Casar, Billie Boullet, and Ashley Brooke act as Edith, Anne, and Margot Frank.
Some viewers have called into question the accuracy of the miniseries. In a Behind the Scenes video about the series posted in January 2023, the creator and producer incorrectly stated that Miep Gies was in her twenties when Otto asked her to hide his family in 1942. In actuality, Miep was 33 years old at the time.
Another young woman helping hide Jewish families, Bep Voskuijl, was 23 at the time and the youngest person of the helpers. While Miep is best known for preserving Anne's diaries, Bep smuggled notes with fellow helpers' names to the Dutch resistance after the Nazis raided the annex, saving their lives.
Unfortunately, the behind-the-scenes footage does not reveal whether the show's producers or creators intended to meld together the roles of Bep and Miep. However, IMDB reports no character named Bep in the show's credits.
National Geographic presented A Small Light, and all episodes are available for streaming through Disney Plus.
