Dragon Mom Wins Jury Award at Vero Beach Film Festival

Short documentary also selected for Wasatch Mountain Film Festival

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:50pm

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A striking abstract composition of jagged geometric shapes and bold silhouettes in high-contrast red and white, conceptually representing the themes of motherhood, medical challenges, and the healing power of nature.A short documentary film explores the resilience of a 'dragon mom' and her son as they navigate life with complex medical needs, finding solace in the great outdoors.Vero Beach Today

Dragon Mom, a short documentary directed by Harrison Buck, won the Jury Award for Best Short Documentary at the Vero Beach Film Festival and has been selected for the Wasatch Mountain Film Festival. The film follows Laura Will and her son Alden as they navigate life with complex medical needs, exploring how access to the outdoors shapes their experience.

Why it matters

The film sheds light on the challenges faced by families with children who have complex medical needs, highlighting the importance of access to nature and the outdoors as a source of healing and respite.

The details

Produced by Alex Delano and James Hamilton with Pandion Creative and oakpool, the film features cinematography by Matteo Moretti and an original score by Chris Pandolfi. Additional festival screenings will be announced.

  • Dragon Mom premiered at the Vero Beach Film Festival in April 2026.
  • The film has been selected for the Wasatch Mountain Film Festival.

The players

Harrison Buck

The director of the short documentary Dragon Mom.

Laura Will

The mother featured in the documentary, who navigates life with her son Alden and their complex medical needs.

Alden

Laura Will's son, who is featured in the documentary and has complex medical needs.

Alex Delano

One of the producers of the documentary Dragon Mom, working with Pandion Creative and oakpool.

James Hamilton

One of the producers of the documentary Dragon Mom, working with Pandion Creative and oakpool.

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What they’re saying

“a mother of a child with a life-limiting diagnosis”

— Laura Will

What’s next

Additional festival screenings for Dragon Mom will be announced in the coming months.

The takeaway

Dragon Mom highlights the resilience and strength of families navigating complex medical challenges, while also emphasizing the healing power of nature and the outdoors for those with special needs.