Thomas Elliott Griffiths, 29, originally from the Ceriog Valley in North Wales and now based in Liverpool, is the co-owner of production company Old Swan Films. His latest feature-length documentary, The Little Things, is now streaming worldwide on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi following a major international distribution deal.
The Little Things tells the stories of children, families and staff at Derian House Children’s Hospice, capturing the warmth, compassion and humanity at the heart of the organisation. The project began as a short documentary idea and evolved into a feature-length film, driven by a desire to challenge misconceptions and open up conversations around hospice care.
The film began when close friend and collaborator Paul Woodward approached Thomas with the idea of creating a short documentary as a personal thank you to the hospice, which had supported Paul’s son, Kalel, before his passing in 2019.
Thomas said: “At first, I was apprehensive about directing a project with such emotional subject matter, but once I spent time at the hospice, my preconceptions faded away. I realised my own uneasiness was the connection I needed – to help audiences understand an environment many people are fortunate enough never to rely on.”
The production process was demanding, with Thomas balancing night shift work alongside long filming days, but he remained committed to doing justice to the stories entrusted to him. The team worked closely with contributors to ensure each interview was handled with sensitivity and care, allowing audiences to connect directly with those sharing their experiences.
Following completion, The Little Things was acquired by Santa Monica-based distributor Buffalo 8, securing a 10-year worldwide distribution deal. For Thomas, the scale of the release has been both surreal and rewarding.
Thomas said: “Knowing the film can reach audiences around the world through platforms like Prime Video is incredibly special. If it helps start conversations about the importance of children’s hospice care, then all the hard work has been worth it.”
The documentary has received strong feedback from critics and audiences alike, with particularly meaningful responses coming from the families involved, who have praised the film for handling their stories with honesty and compassion.
Thomas and Old Swan Films have also completed a new project, Time to Go, a satirical feminist thriller due to enter the film festival circuit in 2026. The production marked a full-circle moment, with Edge Hill students gaining on-set experience and filming taking place on campus.
Alongside this Thomas actively supports young talent sharing his experience with the next generation as a Film Tutor at Showbiz Performing Arts Academy in Ormskirk.
Thomas who studied BA (Hons) Film Studies with Film Production, credits his time at Edge Hill with helping to build the confidence and practical skills that underpin his career today, from access to professional equipment to valuable industry placements.
Edge Hill University is proud to celebrate Thomas’s achievements and to see his work making an impact on audiences around the world.
The Little Things is available now on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi.
Find out more about studying Film Studies at Edge Hill University.
January 9, 2026
