Recognition
Awards and Kudos
Our thanks to the judges who have considered our offerings and selected them from among so many outstanding possibilities. We are so grateful for your vote of confidence. The accolades below are divided by area - film, books, apps, music, and web. (For 10+ years old archive, click here).Film
John F. Riordan, Mathematician Documentary
Presenting the extraordinary and touching story of the Irish-American mathematician John Riordan, author of major early works in combinatorics, particularly Introduction to Combinatorial Analysis and Combinatorial Identities, and how life in an orphanage shaped his thinking. In Irish (with English subtitles). 2023.
Details- Best Documentary, Finalist for Best Editing, Official Selection and Screening - Austin Micro Film Festival, Austin TX (2024)
- Winner, CNAG Best Micro Short Film - Golden Lion International Film Festival (GLIFF), India (2024)
- Best Super Short Film & Best Director Super Short Film - Spring Edition of the Independent Film Awards (2024)
- Best Super Short Film , Best Director Super Short Film - 1st Monthly Film Festival (2024)
- Best Super Short Film, Best Director Super Short Film, Best Editing, Best Poster - Future of Film Awards (2024)
- Best Editing Documentary Micro Short Film, 2nd place for Best Producer & Best Writer, 3rd Place for Best Director & Best Cinematography & Best Sound Design) - Great Lakes Christian Film Festival (GLCFF) (2024)
- Finalist - Near Nazareth Festival (NNF) (2024)
- Honorable Mention - Roscommon International Film Festival, Ireland (2024)
- Honorable Mentions for Short Film Documentary and for Best Screenplay - Buenos Aires Indie Shorts Awards (BAISA) (2024)
- Official Selections - (2024 & 2025) - Anatolia International Film Festival; Metropolis Film Festival; New York Istanbul Short Film Festival; 14th Pune Short Film Festival; Your Way International Film Festival (YWIFF), California Capital International Documentary Film Festival, Micro-Short Film Festival, Janjira International Film Festival; Sofia World Film Festival; Folkestone Film Festival, Beyond The Screen Festival, Liberty Films International Festival
- Winner - Conradh na Gaeilge Annual Competition (2023)
Power of Water Documentary
Elfenworks Productions provided footage and audio editing for the film, and has been awarded Best Documentary at the Indie Online Film Award and Best Short Film on Environment and Sustainability at the One Earth Awards. It was a winner in both the nature and educational categories at the White Unicorn International Film Festival, was a Finalist at the Ocean Beach Film Festival, and was a Semi-Finalist at the Asian Rivers Film Festival. It also garnered Official Selections at the Sustainable Stories and Brussels Capital Film Festivals. 2021.
Details- Best Documentary, Short Film - Indie Online Film Award (2021)
- Best Short Film on Environment & Sustainability - One Earth Awards (2021)
- Award Winner for Nature & Educational Categories - White Unicorn International Film Festival (2021)
- Finalist, Best Short - Ocean Beach Film Festival (2021)
- Finalist - The Golden Hour Film Festival (2022)
- Semi-Finalist, International Best Short Films & General Films (Length Features, Animation, Clips) - Asian Rivers Film Festival (2021)
- Official Selection - Sustainable Stories Film Festival (2021)
- Official Selection - Brussels Capital Film Festival (2021)
The Power of Environment Documentary
A film by The National Ecological and Naturalistic Center for Student Youth of The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine with thanks to Elfenworks Productions LLC. Lauren Speeth, Assistant Director. John Watkins, editing and mastering. Tim Azzaria, cinematography (USA). Save the planet. Help the environment. Respect nature. Children's questions catalyze discussion, as educators and naturalists explore consumerism, resource extraction, the consequences of pollution, and the immediacy of the need for action. Information-filled but upbeat, this film touches the heart while including actionable ideas. Together, we can make a difference. Ukrainian and English. 2022.
Details- Award Winner for Nature & Educational Categories - White Unicorn International Film Festival (2022)
- Award Winner for Educational Film - Christian Online Film Festival (2022)
- Finalist - Vesuvius International Film Festival (2022)
- Official Selection - Iconic Images Film Festival (2022)
- Official Selection - Golden Harvest Film Festival (2022)
- Official Selection - San Diego Movie Awards (2022)
- Official Selection - Golden Bridge İstanbul Short Film Festival (2022)
- Official Selection - Arizona Faith & Family Film Festival (2022)
- Official Selection - LA Independent Women Film Awards (2022)
Thread for Pearls Promo Trailer for Novel
Promo (normal and stereoscopic versions) for Thread for Pearls, A Story of Resilient Hope, the award-winning novel available now at online vendors in print, e-book and audiobook formats. Team: Producer / Director / Copy, Lauren Speeth. Historical footage (first Earth Day), Christopher Speeth. Editing / Animation, Tim Schaller. Voiceover, Janice Rivera. Original music (composition, and performance), Josh Workman. 2018.
Details- Award Winner for Best Trailer - Iconic Images Film Festival (2022)
Exploring Hope for Better Times Documentary Feature
A film by Lauren Speeth. Assistant Director, Kelly Madsen Shaw. Feat: The Miners for Hope, footage from Elfenworks Foundation archives, and "Gems of Wisdom" from all over the world. Cinematography: Tim Schaller, John Watkins, and Ehman Productions. Our Animated Logos: Tim Schaller. Film Editing, Animation, and Sound Design: Janice Rivera. Mixing and Mastering: John Watkins. Art Direction: Mike Dalling. 2018.
Details- Best Host in a Documentary – Colorado International Activism Film Festival – (2018)
- Best Documentary Feature & Best Woman Director – Hollywood International Moving Pictures Film Festival – (2018)
- Best Inspirational Film – Festigious International Film Festival – (2018)
- 4th Place in the Documentary Short Category – The International Indie Gathering – (2018)
- Official Selection – Jamaica International Faith Film Festival – (2019)
- Excellence Award – Inspired Faith Film Festival – (2019)
- Award of Excellence – Depth of Field Film Festival – (2019)
Ireland, The Celtic Way 3D Feature
A 3D Feature Film by Lauren Speeth. Team: Cinematography, Editing, and CGI graphics: Tim Schaller. Production Assistant: Kelly Madsen. Illustrations: Kale Barker, Tim Boxell, Mike Dalling, and Kelly Madsen. Art Direction: Mike Dalling. Stereo Photographs: Donal Murphy. Score and original Music: Josh Workman. Feat: Br. Ron Gallagher, FSC, Ph.D., Fr. Peter McVerry, Nóirín Ní Riain, Seán Ó Duinn. Technical Advisor: Elyssa Davalos. Sound Editor / Mastering: John Watkins. 2013.
Details- Best Educational Film, Best Documentary, Best Producer (Lauren Speeth); Best Cinematography (Tim Schaller, Donal Murphy); Best Artwork (Mike Dalling, Kelly Madsen, Tim Boxell, Kale Barker); Inspire Award (Elyssa Davalos, Ronald Galagher, Peter McVerry, Nóirín Ní Riain, Seán Ó Duinn, Christopher Speeth) - Christian Film Festival in Newport News, VA, and the Christian Online Film Festival (2018)
- Best Documentary, Official Selection, and Screening - The Los Angeles 3D Film Festival (LA 3DFF) (2013)
- Selected for Screening at the SF Irish Cultural Center and at St. Mary's College of California (2013)
What Green Can Be Documentary Short
A film by Lauren Speeth. Team: Editing and Animations: Janice Rivera. Cinematography: Kelly Madsen, Janice Rivera, Tim Schaller, Lauren Speeth. Score and original music: Josh Workman. Art Direction: Mike Dalling. Historic Earth Day Footage courtesy Christopher Speeth. Additional Photography: Mike Dalling, Ryan Paul. Feat: Michael Brownrigg, Melina Copass, Tony Tam, others. For full credits, see film ending. 2013.
Details- Official Selection and Screening, Sedona Film Festival Sedona Green - (2014)
- Selected for Airing - Marin TV (2013)
- Winner - Davey Award (Silver) (2013)
Screenplay
Fiona, A Screenplay Screenplay
A screenplay based on a book by Lauren Speeth. Team: Screenplay is an adaptation of the novel Thread for Pearls, A Story of Resilient Hope by Lauren Speeth. See the Books section for details. 2020.
"Fiona is well written and very engaging. Excellent work!" - LA Film Awards (2020)
Details- Best Feature Screenplay - Christian Film Festival (2020)
- Best Feature Screenplay - Festigious Film Festival (2020)
- Best Feature Screenplay - Los Angeles Film Awards (2020)
- Finalist - Las Vegas International Film & Screenwriting Festival, California Women's Film Festival, Circa 2019 Historical Screenplay Competition (2020)
- Semi-Finalist - Red Flight Pictures Screenplay Awards (2020)
- Official Selections: Historical Screenplay Competition, Salty Earth Film Festival, Filmmatic Drama Screenplay Awards, Atlanta International Film Awards, Drama Inc. Screenplay Awards, Sacramento International Film Festival (2020)
Books / Titles
Taking the Stairs & Liking It, Seven Steps to an Amazing Life Book
Team: Author: Lauren Speeth. Editing: Lisa Watson. Production: Mike Dalling, various translators (Portuguese, Spanish), 2025
Details- Silver Medal, Spirituality - Illumination Book Awards (2026)
- 5 Stars - The Book Revue (2025)
- 3.5 Stars - IndieReader (2025)
Thread for Pearls, A Story of Resilient Hope Historical Fiction
Team: Author: Lauren Speeth. Editing: Lisa Watson and Marian Sprague. Art Direction and Production Aspects: Mike Dalling. 2018.
Details- Beverly Hills Book Awards and Award Winning Finalist - Women's Lit Category (2019)
- Best Book Awards sponsored by American Book Fest (2018)
- Best Reviewed Books of June & IndieReader Approved (4.2 Stars)– Joshua Patton, IndieReader (2018)
- More raves on the Thread for Pearls website
Intelligence & Compassion in Action, The Seven Pillars for Social Entrepreneurs Book
Team: Author: Lauren Speeth. Editor: Lisa Watson. Graphic Design and Production: Mike Dalling. Various translators (Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Ukrainian). 2012, Revised for 2023.
Details- Winner - Living Now Books Award Gold (2014)
- Recommended Read - US Review of Books (2014)
eMinistry: Virtual Pathways for Spiritual Leadership: Taking Evangelism into the Cyber Frontier Self-help / Textbook
Team: Author: Lauren Speeth. Editor: Sheri Davenport. Graphic Design and Production: Mike Dalling. 2013, Revised for 2023.
Details- Christian Book Award Winner (Gold) (2018)
- eLit Award Gold in the category of Religion (Eastern / Western) (2015)
Apps - iOS / Android
"Breathing Butterfly" for The Elfenworks Foundation Stressbuster
"Breathing Butterfly" developed and maintained for The Elfenworks Foundation. Team: Concept, Script, and Butterfly Song: Lauren Speeth. Developers: Niilo Tippler & Chris Tokunaga, Tip-Tok. Original Design: Mike Dalling. Sound Recording, Original Music, Mixing, Mastering, Guitar: Josh Workman. Project Manager: Nelly Baumb. SQA: Devon Filo. For full credits, including translations, see project detail page.
Details- Best Children's App - KAPi Awards (2019)
"Pastor Fish" Bible Basics For the Young at Heart
Bible basics for the young at heart! Team: Concept, Script, and Voice of Pastor Fish: Lauren Speeth. Developers: Niilo Tippler & Chris Tokunaga, Tip-Tok. Original Design: Mike Dalling. Music, Sound Recording, Audio Mixing, Mastering: Josh Workman. Music Performance: Commodore Callahan Band. Project Manager: Kelly Shaw. SQA: Devon Filo. For full credits, including translations, see project detail page.
"My girls have these on their iPad. I downloaded and checked it out. I'm always looking for something new, fresh, and if you teach toddlers, 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds, you could use that with your iPad." - Ryan from Kidz Matter
Details- Best Children's App - KAPi Awards (2019)
- Favorite Things by Kidz Matter (2019)
Podcast
Ribbons & Bows, American Women in Violin History Podcast
Team: Writer: Lauren Speeth. Project Manager: Kelly Shaw. Research: Devon Filo. Male VOs: Mike Dalling, Don Kane, Josh Workman. Editing, Mixing, Mastering: Josh Workman. For additional credits visit project detail page or tune in to the podcast. 2018.
Details- Selected for feature at Gala Opening for the Community Women's Orchestra Soiree (2018)
Online Class
Journey Along The Healer's Path Video-based Course
Team: Author/Director/Narrator: Lauren Speeth. Editing and Animation: Janice Rivera. Art Direction: Mike Dalling. Available on Udemy.com. 2019.
Details- 21st Annual Communicator Awards of Distinction for Online Video and for Webinar (2019)
Web
ministrants.com Digital inspiration and online resource
Team: Copywriting & Concept: Lauren Speeth. Graphic Design: Mike Dalling. 2009.
Visit Website- W3 Award Gold for Religion & Spirituality (2013)
- W3 Award Silver for Copy / Writing (2013)
- Summit Creative Award Bronze (2010)
Music
Rejuve I & II Soothing Music, Albums & Online
Team: Commodore Callahan Band. Lauren Speeth, Producer. For Rejuve II, features Don Kane (clarinet), Josh Workman (guitar), and others. See detail page for full credits.
Details- Editor's Pick, Body & Soul Magazine (Rejuve I) – "On the transporting CD Rejuve, jazz pianist Tammy Hall breaks from the tradition of performing covers and plays mesmerizing songs she composed with the express intention of helping listeners recuperate from illness." (2007)
- Both CDs have been used as fundraisers/giveaways by various nonprofits, including the Greater Bay Area Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Package of Prevention, and UCSF's Springer Laboratory.
Grow Music Video
From the album "Rejuve" featuring violin, piano and percussion. The original composition, by pianist Tammy Hall, was written as one of the tracks for "Rejuve II," a CD with a soothing intent, especially suitable for those with health challenges. The album was recorded at Fantasy Studios in 2006 but the footage was never before released. The footage was unearthed and edited together at the start of the U.S. Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns in 2020 when it seemed fitting to revisit this healing/soothing project in an effort to spread some hope and healing in challenging times. 2022.
Details- 3rd Best International Music Video, 3rd Best American Music Video, 3rd Best Instrumental Music Video, Best Covid-19 Theme Music, 2nd Best Cinematographer - Malabar Music Festival (2022)
- Finalist - Only The Best International Film Awards (2022)
- Official Selection - Iconic Images Film Festival (2022)
Resurrection Music Video
From the album "Love is Here" by Commodore Callahan. Team: Cinematography: Kelly Seldan. Editing/Animation: Jules Marino. Accolades: Aired as part of a fundraiser telethon for Peter Young Housing Industry and Treatment. 2010.
Details- Official Selection and Honorable Mention at the Awareness Festival in Santa Monica, California (2010)
Rough Justice Music Video
From the album "Love is Here" by Commodore Callahan. Team: A film by Lauren Speeth. Lyrics: Lauren Speeth. Music Josh Workman. Cinematography: Mike Dalling, Lauren Speeth, Ken Tam. Photography: Sheila Price, Ken Tam, Janice Rivera. Commodore Callahan Stills Courtesy Boys Hope Girls Hope San Francisco. Barbed Wire as Sheet Music Animation: Mike Dalling. Editing: Janice Rivera. Studio recording, San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles, September 2009. Band: Commodore Callahan (Alison Lewis, lead vocals backed up by Josh Workman and Lauren Speeth. Josh Workman, guitar, synth. Don Kane, bass). Mixing: Josh Workman and John Watkins. Mastering: John Watkins. 2009.
Details- Official Selection & Screening, Colorado International Activism Film Festival (2018)
- Aired on Denver TV (2018)
Tammy Hall: Reflections Music Documentary
Piano, Tammy Hall. Violin, Jeremy Cohen & Lauren Speeth. Producer/Director, Lauren Speeth. Cinematography, Dan Coplan. Mastering, Stephen Hart. Editing, Tim Schaller. 2006.
Details - Aired on Bay Area Focus with Susan Sikora on KBHK/UPN TV (2006)
- Selected by KCSM 91.1 (member supported Bay Area jazz radio), as a new-member thank-you gift during their 2006 pledge drive. (2006)
- Best Jazz Short – Indie Gathering (2006)
- Best Music Short – Indie Gathering
- Best International Documentary Short – Calgary Fringe Film Festival (2006)
- Official Selection - Globians (2006)
"Moody jazz-piano transformed and reflected into a cinematic poem." - Official Selection - Ybor Festival of the Moving Image (2006)
- Official Selection - Mendocino Film Festival (2006)
- Official Selection - Ocean Film Festival of the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary (2006)
- Official Selection - Black Earth Film Festival (2006)
Aaron Rosand, Live at Mills College Music Documentary
Team: Producer/director: Lauren Speeth. Cinematographer: Dan Coplan. Mastering: Stephen Hart. Accolades: Lauded by music critic Tim Smith, of The Baltimore Sun, who wrote, "Some of [Rosand's] best recordings are of very recent vintage. A recital filmed in California... featuring remarkably assured and sensitive playing ...delivered with technical aplomb and, above all, exquisitely tasteful, old-world style." 2003.
Details- Official Selection - Globians (2005)
- Gold Davey Award - Outstanding Creative Achievement in Entertainment - International Academy of the Visual Arts (2005)
Jeremy Cohen & Friends Music Documentary
Music Performance Documentary. Jeremy Cohen & Friends Celebrate Joe Venuti, 100 Years. Team: Producer/ Director: Lauren Speeth. Editor: Tim Schaller. Feat: Jeremy Cohen's Quartet San Francisco, Paul Anastasio, Larry Dunlap, Jim Kerwin, Paul Mehling, Robert Young. Sound: Stephen Hart. Publicist: Cristina Parvu. Available through Video Artists International. Directed by Lauren Speeth. 2005.
Details- Official Selection - Globians (2005)
- Gold Davey Award - Artistic Excellence in Enternainment - International Academy of the Visual Arts (2005)
- 3rd Place - JPF Music Awards (2006)
- Featured - Tiburon International Film Festival's Gala Opening Celebration (2005)
- Aired on Bay Area Channel 4 TV (2005)