Long Valley Producer's Film Wins 8 International Awards

LONG VALLEY, NJ — A Long Valley production company's short film has won several awards at film festivals in Italy.

"Little Dream," created by Dreamscape Pictures, has received nods from several acclaimed film festivals, including the Sundance Film Festival, the New York Shorts International Film Festival, and the Chicago International Film Festival, to name a few.

Last week, however, the film took home eight awards across two Italian film festivals.

On Wednesday, "Little Dream" earned 10 nominations and seven wins at the 2026 Milan Gold Awards in Milan, Italy. The film won the following in Milan:

• Best Screenplay – Little Dream
• Gold Award – Short Film: Little Dream
• Gold Award – Director: Anna Hill
• Gold Award – Cinematography: Maddi Marina
• Best Sound Design – Rich Patricia
• Gold Award – Original Song: "When Doors Don't Open"
• Gold Award – Editing: Jubran Syed

Additionally, the film took home the "Best Drama Film" award at the Florence Film Awards, "one of Italy's respected international film competitions."

"We are incredibly honored by this recognition," said "Little Dreams" producer Antonio Sciortino. "To be nominated alongside so many talented filmmakers was already an achievement. Bringing home seven awards is beyond what we imagined. This recognition belongs to our entire cast and crew, whose commitment, heart, and artistry made 'Little Dream' possible. We are profoundly grateful to the Milan Gold Awards for celebrating independent cinema and recognizing the work of our amazing team."

"Little Dream" is continuing through the festival circuit while its creators "remain committed to sharing this inspiring story with audiences around the world."

About "Little Dream"

"Little Dream" follows the young life of Simone Botha, a South African woman who became one of the world’s first professional ballerinas with a cochlear implant.

The film "offers a deeply moving exploration of determination, courage, and the unyielding pursuit of one’s passions despite profound obstacles," producers said.

"Little Dream" was directed by Anna Hill and produced by Academy Award-winning producer Stefanie Walmsley, award-winning producer Tony Sciortino, and co-producer Shanna Heverly.

Starring in the lead role is Maya Papendick, who "delivers a
breathtaking performance in the lead role, capturing the emotional and physical depth of Botha’s early years."

Also attached to the production are Ashley Feyrer and Alex Thorpe of the North Jersey School of Dance Arts, cinematographer Maddi Marina, as well as sound and set designer Richard Patricia.

In addition to limited theatrical releases in New York City and Los Angeles, in October, the film will be screened in the Garden State in August. Check back with Patch as screening details are solidified.

Dreamscape Pictures has a number of other projects in the works, including the web series "The Bully's Club" and the thriller short film "Light Beyond The Tracks.”

Click here to learn more about Dreamscape Pictures and its projects.