top of page


Festival Season:
January 2025
BEAM YOU UP SCOTTY

Directors:
Writers:
Hannah Samantha Simicic
Producers:
Hannah Samantha Simicic, Jack Simmz
Run Time:
0:09:26
Awarded for the following Category(s):
Awarded Category(s)
In the serene, wide-open fields of rural Minnesota, lives a small dog with a big heart, a Jack Russell Terrier named Scotty. His master, an astronaut, is far above, orbiting Earth aboard the International Space Station. Scotty's story, though fictionalized, echoes the deep and often overlooked yearning felt by many pets left behind when their humans venture beyond our planet. This tale captures the unbreakable bond between a pet and its owner, even when separated by the vastness of space.
While Scotty may be a product of imagination, his emotions are very real, representing the countless animals who patiently wait for their loved ones to return. Through the lens of this devoted terrier's journey, we explore not just the cutting-edge technology of NASA's Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD), but also the timeless and universal themes of loyalty, love, and the lengths to which we go to stay connected, no matter the distance.
As we delve into the incredible advancements that allow us to communicate across the stars, Scotty’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring connection between pets and their humans. His fictional reunion with his master aboard the ISS, facilitated by groundbreaking technology, is more than just a fantasy; it is a testament to the power of love, transcending even the boundaries of space.
This documentary invites viewers to reflect on the emotional landscape of animals like Scotty, who embody the silent, patient longing that so many pets experience when their humans are far away. Through Scotty’s eyes, we not only witness the marvels of space communication but also feel the deep, heartfelt connections that bind us all, no matter where we are in the universe.

Submitter Statement
About Hannah
From the moment she could mold a lump of playdough, Hannah was an artist in the making. Her creations were everywhere—underfoot, on the shelves, and even in the fridge! After stepping on one too many of her intricate figurines, her dad introduced her to Blender, and the rest, as they say, is history. She dove headfirst into the world of 3D animation, teaching herself every nook and cranny of the software.
To date, she has devoured over 70 courses on Udemy, mastering everything from Blender and After Effects to drawing, camera operation, cinematography, directing, and even music composition (though she prefers to leave the composing to her dad!).
Hannah has already completed three films and is hard at work on her fourth. She’s currently taking a year off to figure out her next steps, but all signs point towards a future in filmmaking. Her passion for science, sparked by channels like Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell, feeds into her storytelling, infusing her films with a unique blend of creativity and curiosity.
Despite having her own YouTube channel, she remains a bit shy about sharing her work. But she’s brimming with stories she’s eager to tell, aiming to make the world a slightly better place with each rendering she creates.
Hannah also has a passion for traveling and always loves being on the move to see and experience new places. Each new destination seeds ideas for her future projects and fuels her creativity.
Skills and Expertise
Primarily working with Blender, Hannah is also proficient in ZBrush, After Effects, and Unreal Engine. Her post-production skills shine through in her color correction and video editing, honed with DaVinci Resolve. She’s dabbled in audio editing and composing using Audacity, GarageBand, and FL Studio. Her talents extend to cinematography, applying the same principles in both traditional camera work and 3D software environments.
Inspiration and Creative Journey
From a young age, borrowing her dad's camera, Hannah has been crafting short films. While her earliest works remain under wraps, these formative experiences have been instrumental in her development as a filmmaker and designer.
Nature is a constant source of inspiration, with birds serenading her every morning and her beloved pets—cats and dogs—adding a touch of joy and humanity to her life. Travel sparks her creativity, and each new destination seeds ideas for future projects. Her voracious reading habit further fuels her imagination.
Most importantly, her parents are her bedrock. Her dad is her rock, her guiding light, and her sounding board; their epic discussions have shaped her artistic journey. Her mom is her moral compass, her biggest cheerleader, and her shoulder to cry on. None of her accomplishments would have been possible without their unwavering support and inspiration.
Key Cast
Other Credits
Narrator: Joy Hayward
Music and Sound Effects: Jack Simmz
bottom of page