Long Valley Team’s Short Film Earns Awards, Nominations In Film Fest Circuit

LONG VALLEY, NJ — A Long Valley production company’s short film is seeing success early on in the film festival circuit it’s going through.

"Little Dream," created by Dreamscape Pictures, is inspired by 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.

"We never set out simply to win awards," the filmmakers shared. "Our goal was to tell a story that could inspire children to believe in themselves and remind audiences that passion, resilience, and love can overcome extraordinary challenges. Every recognition the film receives is an honor for everyone who helped bring Simone's story to life."

The film has been submitted to several notable film festivals including Sundance and New York Shorts International. So far, the film's achievements include:

• Best Original Score – Short Film at the Crown Point International Film Festival.
• Best Child Actress awarded to Alison Sciortino for her heartfelt portrayal of young Simone at the Oniros Film Awards® – New York.
• Best Short Film (2026) at the ABSURD Film Festival in Balsorano, Italy.
• Best Short Film at the Crown Point International Film Festival in Chicago, Illinois.
• Best Director Nomination for Anna Hill at the Bangkok Movie Awards.
• Best Choreography – Short Film Nomination at the Martha's Vineyard Dance Film Festival. for Ashley Feyrer and Alex Thorpe.
• Best Actress Nomination (2026) for Shanna Heverly for her moving performance.

"As Little Dream continues its national and international festival tour, Dreamscape Pictures hopes the film will encourage viewers of all ages to pursue their dreams with courage, determination, and heart," producers say. "This is only the beginning."

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.