I connected with Shelly Paino through Facebook shortly after posting a brief two-line advertisement. Those two lines were not just written-they came to me during a time of deep prayer, and I believe they were given to me by God. That small step of faith became the beginning of a powerful and divinely guided connection.

What began as a simple interaction quickly grew into a meaningful relationship. I truly believe this meeting was the result of years of prayer-both mine in Canada and hers in the United States.

At a time when no one was willing to write about a story centered on Christian persecution, the supernatural, and real-life events, Shelly stepped forward with faith and courage. She became the first person to support this vision as a script writer, helping bring Hannah's Dream to life on paper.

Shelly also contributed to writing a chapter in the Hannah's Dream book. Her perspective-having understood the story deeply-offers a unique and powerful outside view, reflecting how others may see, feel, and respond to this journey.

Beyond her writing contributions, Shelly has supported the project in many other ways. Her heart, guided by faith, has been instrumental in strengthening this mission. Over time, we developed a strong bond of trust and friendship, and today I consider her like a sister. She has consistently been there to talk, pray, support, and guide whenever needed.

While I may not be able to fully repay her contributions in material terms, I trust that God, in His faithfulness, will fulfill the desires of her heart. Her role in Hannah's Dream is foundational and deeply valued. Here is the link of my YouTube interview with Shelly.

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Shelly Paino (Scriptwriter) testimony for Hannah's Dream feature film

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Scriptwriting for Crowd funding

I met Mark Cramer during an online film festival event in 2019. From that moment on, he became a great friend, mentor, advisor, and like a brother to me.

Mark has stood faithfully alongside me and Hannah's Dream, supporting the vision at every stage of its journey. He has played a key role in helping me understand the film industry, guiding me through areas where I had little to no knowledge. His mentorship has been invaluable in shaping the direction and growth of this project.

He has also connected me with many professionals in the film industry who have contributed their knowledge and support. Through his guidance, I was able to take meaningful steps forward in areas I once found challenging to understand or navigate.

What truly stands out about Mark is his consistent support and responsiveness. No matter how busy he is-whether in the studio or personal life-he always takes the time to respond, guide, and encourage. His care and commitment to Hannah's Dream have been truly remarkable.

Mark has a deep love for Jesus, the Body of Christ, and for supporting meaningful, faith-based projects like Hannah's Dream. His heart, encouragement, and ongoing involvement continue to be a great blessing to me and this journey.

You can also view my YouTube interviews with Mark through the link provided.

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Mark Cramer - Co-Producer for Hannah's Dream, interview with Hannah Ratnam

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Interview with Mark Cramer as Co-producer on Hannah's Dream feature film

I connected with Mike Wech during an online film festival in 2020, at a time when many festivals had shifted to virtual platforms. Mike was a guest speaker and mentor, generously sharing his knowledge, experience, and insights into filmmaking. His willingness to educate and guide aspiring creators like me left a strong impression.

One of the most meaningful aspects of his talk was his understanding of different cultures. Having traveled extensively across Asian countries, experienced diverse traditions, and embraced different lifestyles, he demonstrated a genuine appreciation for cultural perspectives. During his session, I felt that he truly understood the challenges and realities of my background and story.

What stood out even more was his faith. Mike openly reflects his belief in God through both his words and actions, living a life grounded in strong spiritual values.

After the session, I reached out to him seeking guidance on how to bring my dream to life. From that point on, Mike has consistently been a source of support, encouragement, and mentorship. No matter how busy he is-whether traveling, on set, or in the middle of work-he always takes the time to respond, guide, and connect.

Although we have not yet met in person, over time we have built a strong relationship based on trust and mutual respect through conversations, calls, and messages. He has remained the same genuine and supportive person I first encountered online.

Mike has never ignored or delayed my requests for guidance. He has always been willing to share his experience and help me learn. To me, he is not only a filmmaker, but also a true mentor, a trusted friend, and a spiritual guide.

His dedication to his family, his faith, and his work reflects the kind of person he is-committed, compassionate, and sincere. I am deeply grateful for his continued support in the Hannah's Dream Project.

Jason G. Vizza joined the Hannah's Dream Project with great passion and dedication. From the beginning, he played a key role in composing music for the teaser, trailer, and short film, creating soundtracks that brought depth and emotion to the story.

Through our collaboration and a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Jason committed his talent to this vision. With a strong understanding of the story, he carefully translated my ideas and desired use of instruments into powerful musical compositions. After sharing my vision for the sound and emotional tone, he was able to create music that aligned perfectly with each scene.

I was truly amazed by the way he composed and produced the music. Each piece carried the right emotions and atmosphere, beautifully capturing the essence of the dream. His work added significant value to the project and elevated its overall impact.

Jason is exceptional in his craft, and I sincerely hope to continue working with him on the future feature film. I look forward to creating a unique fusion of Western and Eastern musical elements through further collaboration.

As with all early contributors, I am prayerfully waiting for God's provision to overflow so that everyone who supported this project from the beginning can be compensated as promised. This will also allow us to continue creating more original, copyrighted music for the project. Here is the link of my YouTube interview with Jason.

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Jason Vizza Interview Music Composer Hannah's Dream short movie

Steven H contributed to the Hannah's Dream Project by creating the Indiegogo fundraising page, helping initiate an important step toward raising support for the project. While the campaign progressed slowly, the experience provided valuable learning and insight into the fundraising process.

In addition to this, Steven, being a filmmaker himself, supported me in various other areas of the project. His guidance and willingness to help played a role in moving the project forward during its early stages.

I appreciate his contribution, time, and effort in helping build a foundation for Hannah's Dream, both through fundraising and creative support.

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Steven interview for Hannah's Dream

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Steven interview as Script editor for Hannah's Dream feature film

Elijah Holston joined the Hannah's Dream Project during the COVID-19 period, a time when many connections were formed through online platforms and virtual film festivals. I met him through Facebook/online film communities, where passionate individuals from around the world came together to collaborate.

At the time, Elijah was a student, but he showed great enthusiasm and willingness to learn. He actively participated in Zoom meetings, connected with team members, and contributed his time as a volunteer to the Hannah's Dream short film.

He assisted in editing stock footage that had been collected during COVID, including content contributed by individuals from All Saints Church, Peshawar, Pakistan. Despite limited resources and a zero-budget environment, Elijah's efforts helped shape the visual storytelling of the project.

Working with him was a unique experience. His passion, dedication, and eagerness to grow made a meaningful contribution during an important phase of the project.

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Elijah Holston

Joes, associated with the Nieves Film Festival, played an important role in supporting the Hannah's Dream Project, particularly in creating the teaser and trailer.

With experience in the film industry, he guided me in understanding how filmmaking works at a professional level. His insights helped shape my approach and direction for the project. He is actively involved in creating short and feature films, especially those inspired by Biblical stories.

I admire his passion, care, and strong commitment to the Christian faith. He has been a supportive mentor, a good friend, and someone who genuinely wants to see this project grow.

With minimal material-just a few images-he was able to create a compelling teaser. It is important to note that all these visuals were created during COVID, with zero budget, and purely through volunteer efforts.

I connected with Tom McElroy through an online prayer group during the COVID-19 period, when many people around the world were unable to meet in person. Through this platform, I introduced myself and shared the vision of the Hannah's Dream Project, and since then, we have remained consistently connected.

For over three years, we have continued meeting regularly through Saturday prayer gatherings on Zoom. During a time when the world was shutting down, God opened new doors through technology, allowing people to come together in faith and fellowship. This was a unique and meaningful experience for me, as I had never previously engaged with platforms like Zoom or online prayer communities in this way.

Through Tom's initiative, the EMP (Entertainment Media Prayer) group was formed, bringing together individuals to pray for various needs, topics, and one another. I am grateful to be one of the prayer partners in this group.

Tom has faithfully led these weekly gatherings, creating a space for encouragement, spiritual support, and connection. His dedication to prayer and community has been a blessing not only to me but to many others. At the end of each session, we also take time to share personally, strengthening our bond and understanding.

I am deeply thankful for Tom, his leadership, and the entire prayer group for standing with me throughout this journey. His role in bringing people together in prayer has been a significant source of strength for the Hannah's Dream Project.

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Tom McElroy comments for Hannah's Dream feature film project.

Ratnam has been a key supporter of the Hannah's Dream Project from the very beginning. During the COVID-19 period, when much of the work shifted online, he played an essential role in helping set up and manage Zoom meetings, using his strong technical skills to bridge gaps where I had limitations.

Beyond technical support, Ratnam contributed across multiple areas of the project. He assisted in creating teasers, trailers, posters, and visiting cards, as well as supporting various design and production needs during a challenging time. He also helped coordinate the printing of banners, posters, and flyers from India, ensuring that the project had the necessary promotional materials.

With his talent in mobile filmmaking and editing, Ratnam was responsible for editing many of the early videos of Hannah's Dream. His creativity and hands-on approach were instrumental in shaping the initial visual content of the project.

A significant milestone in this journey was receiving the first award on September 19, 2020, which holds deep personal meaning for me, as it connects to the original vision I received on September 19, 2013-marking seven years of prayer, dedication, fasting, and commitment to this mission and to the victims it represents.

For those interested in seeing the early stages of this journey, the first videos on the Hannah's Dream YouTube channel reflect the foundational work where it all began. These pieces offer deeper insight into the heart and development of the project.

I am truly grateful for Ratnam's consistent support, versatility, and dedication. His contributions have been vital in building the foundation of Hannah's Dream.

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Ratnam - Team member wishing Hannah's Dream script 1st year celebration

Dharm played a significant role in the early stages of the Hannah's Dream Project by creating its very first website. At a time when I had reached out to several individuals for help without success, I was feeling discouraged. Despite his own busy schedule and upcoming travel plans, Dharm stepped forward to support me.

Just before leaving to visit his family, he dedicated a weekend to help. Within a few hours, he created a basic website, purchased the domain, and set everything up. By the end of the day, the website was live-marking an important milestone for me and the project. For the first time, I was able to share that Hannah's Dream had its own online presence.

Shortly after, the COVID-19 pandemic began, and Dharm became stuck overseas due to global travel restrictions. Communication became difficult, but I continued to pray for his safety and return. It was a challenging time, yet I remained grateful for the foundation he had already built.

Dharm has always supported this project with sincerity and generosity. He never asked for payment and gave his time willingly, helping not only with the website but also with posters, teasers, updates, and even the pitch book. His honesty, humility, and commitment to the cause-especially his compassion toward the persecution of Pakistani Christians-have been deeply meaningful.

Our connection goes back many years through church, where friendship naturally grew into a strong bond like family. Over time, we built a relationship based on trust, respect, and shared values. He has been more than just a contributor-he is a trusted friend, like a brother, and someone I can rely on.

I am truly thankful for Dharm's role in laying the digital foundation of Hannah's Dream and for his continued support and friendship throughout this journey.

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Ritesh Cuniah - interview with Hannah Ratnam

Jason Barbeck was one of the first key connections I made through the Christian International Film Festival (CIFF) in Toronto, Canada. Through this connection, he played an important role in helping me understand the fundamentals of filmmaking during the early stages of the Hannah's Dream Project.

He guided me in areas such as budgeting, developing short films, and understanding how to approach casting, including selecting actors, actresses, and building a team. His insights and experience helped bring clarity and direction to many aspects of the project.

Jason is a humble and faith-driven individual, whose character reflects strong spiritual values. Through his film festival, Hannah's Dream was honored with an award among many other entries, marking a significant milestone in this journey.

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to connect with him, learn from his experience, and receive his support. His contribution has been meaningful in shaping the foundation of this project.

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Jason Barbeck interview 14 Sept 2021

Jackie Hayes has been a wonderful source of encouragement and support for the Hannah's Dream Project. She is a woman of strong faith, whose trust in God has remained steadfast through life's challenges. Her resilience, positivity, and spiritual strength have been truly inspiring.

I was introduced to Jackie through her uncle, Pastor Smith in London, who is also connected to my family. This connection, though across distances, reflects how God has brought people from different parts of the world together to support this project.

Jackie is highly skilled in communication, with a strong command of English and writing. Over time, she became a valuable team member, offering support in proofreading, editing emails and documents, and improving overall communication for the project.

She also played a key role in connecting me with contacts in the UK who contributed to the development of the first song for Hannah's Dream, titled "The Promise." The song was initially written with a basic piano composition, but through collaborative efforts over Zoom, the team worked together to enhance it. With Jackie's involvement, the lyrics were refined, and the music evolved into a unique fusion style, incorporating elements inspired by Pakistani instruments.

This entire process-from discussion to final recording-was completed smoothly within a short time through virtual collaboration. It was a powerful example of how dedication, creativity, and unity can overcome physical distance.

I documented these moments through recordings, preserving them as memories of how God brought together such incredible individuals to support this journey. These connections have been truly special and meaningful, built on mutual respect, faith, and encouragement.

Even today, we remain connected-continuing to support, pray for, and uplift one another. I am deeply grateful for Jackie's role as a motivator, connector, and valued contributor to the Hannah's Dream Project.

Peter Vermeulen has been a meaningful contributor to the Hannah's Dream Project as a songwriter and composer. We are both members of the same church, serving in different ministries-he in the prayer team and I in the ushering ministry.

When I shared the vision of Hannah's Dream with my pastor and asked for a recommendation for someone who could help write and compose a song, Peter was introduced to me. We initially connected through email and later spoke over the phone, where I shared my story, my dream, and my personal relationship with my mother.

Moved by the vision, Peter began working on the song. Within just a few days, he sent me the audio, and I was truly amazed. The way he captured my emotions and translated them into music was remarkable. He expressed the depth of my feelings with great sensitivity and understanding, creating something both personal and powerful.

I am deeply grateful for Peter's contribution, his heart for the project, and his ability to turn a personal story into a meaningful musical expression for Hannah's Dream.

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Peter Vermeulen - interview with Hannah Ratnam

P.J has been a constant source of guidance and support in my life, long before the beginning of the Hannah's Dream Project. As a mentor and advisor, she has stood with me through both personal and professional challenges, helping me grow in areas where I had little to no experience.

She has played a vital role in developing my skills in communication-assisting me with reading, writing letters, editing emails, and understanding how to structure and host events, including preparing agendas and managing the flow from beginning to end. Her mentorship has been foundational in shaping my ability to present and manage this project effectively.

From the very beginning, P.J has also been a dedicated prayer partner. We started this journey in faith, praying together at a time when the future of the project was still unknown. I shared my vision with her, and together we witnessed how God began to unfold His plan. What started with uncertainty has now grown into something far beyond what I had imagined.

Through her connection, Pastor C. Smith and members of her church in the UK also became involved. They supported the project through prayer and encouragement, and many participated in the early stages, including attending the first online film festival and contributing to the development of the Hannah's Dream script in 2020.

Even today, Pastor C. Smith and members of the church continue to pray for me and for the Hannah's Dream Project. Their ongoing spiritual support has been a source of strength and encouragement throughout this journey.

I am deeply grateful for P.J's mentorship, wisdom, and unwavering support over the years. Her role has been instrumental in both my personal growth and the development of this project.

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Princilla - interview with Hannah Ratnam

The first official song of the Hannah's Dream Project, titled "The Promise," has been developed and is now ready for the next stage of production. We are currently seeking a talented and well-suited female singer to record a demo version of the song.

Once the demo is completed, it will be submitted to funding organizations and supporters in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with the goal of securing further backing and expanding the reach of the project. We also welcome individuals or organizations who may be interested in sponsoring and promoting this song across various platforms.

The Promise - Creative Team

Bryan, Jackie Hayes, and Peter Vermeulen collaborated closely to bring this song to life. Through a series of Zoom meetings, we worked together to re-imagine and enhance the song by incorporating a fusion of Western and Pakistani musical elements.

Based on my vision, we explored the inclusion of traditional instruments such as Rubab, Bansuri, Sitar, Santoor, and Tabla, creating a unique and emotionally rich sound. Through thoughtful discussion and teamwork, a new version of the song-with refined lyrics and enhanced musical composition-was completed within a short period of time.

S. Danial and his family were among the very first people with whom I shared the vision of the Hannah's Dream Project. After hearing the story, they generously offered their time and support as volunteers, becoming an important part of the project's early development.

During the initial stages, Danial's young daughter-only around 8-10 years old at the time-participated with great enthusiasm. She learned lines from the script, recorded short video clips using her father's phone, and sent them to me. Her sincere effort and dedication were truly heartwarming and encouraging.

Danial also took the initiative to organize local support for filming. He arranged for someone to help shoot scenes at locations such as Clifton Beach, his home, and other settings. Together, we collaborated closely-planning, discussing, and coordinating each step remotely.

Despite the global challenges of COVID-19, and the limitations it created in Pakistan and around the world, the short film was successfully completed with zero budget. This achievement reflects the commitment, creativity, and willingness of Danial and his family to support this vision under difficult circumstances.

I am deeply grateful for their contribution, sacrifice, and belief in the Hannah's Dream Project from the very beginning.

Roland played a key role in the creation of the first Hannah's Dream short film during the COVID-19 period. Working alongside S. Danial and his family in Karachi, he contributed to filming and bringing the early vision of the project to life.

This was a true team effort. Danial coordinated closely with his daughter and Roland, ensuring that each part of the filming process was planned and executed despite the limitations of the time. The young actress, Danial's daughter, was well-suited to portray the childhood phase of the story and delivered a heartfelt performance with minimal supervision and guidance.

Filming took place across various locations, including Clifton Beach, their home, and other local settings. Due to restrictions and limited resources, the project relied on a mix of royalty-based footage, materials I provided, and scenes captured using mobile phones. Despite these challenges, the team demonstrated creativity, dedication, and unity.

At a time when the world was facing uncertainty and fear, it was inspiring to witness how this project continued to move forward. Through the commitment of these volunteers, doors continued to open, and the vision of Hannah's Dream kept growing.

The completed short film received recognition at multiple film festivals around the world. By God's grace, the project has now received 17 awards, along with certificates and global appreciation-an incredible milestone for a zero-budget, volunteer-driven effort.

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Ronald's Francis - interview with Hannah Ratnam

Shadab Z contributed to the Hannah's Dream Project as a content creator and coordinator during an important phase of development. At the time, she was a student, yet she showed great dedication and initiative in supporting the project.

She assisted in collecting short video clips and materials related to the All Saints Church incident of September 22, 2013. In addition, she actively reached out within her network-sharing information in student groups and communities to find others who might be interested in contributing to the project.

Shadab also coordinated with multiple individuals on my behalf, helping to organize information efficiently. She created and managed an Excel sheet to track contributors and details, making the process more structured and easier to manage from a distance.

Her role extended to gathering first-hand stories, photos, and videos from victims and local sources, which added depth and authenticity to the project. She also collaborated with friends, fellow students, and neighbors to create short video clips that contributed to the early development of the short film.

Despite working with limited resources and basic equipment, including a non-professional mobile phone, she was able to capture meaningful content that became part of the project. Her willingness to learn, listen, and contribute made a valuable difference during this stage.

I am grateful for Shadab's efforts, dedication, and support in helping bring important elements of Hannah's Dream together.

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Shadab Zafer interview - victim of All Saints Church Pakistan

Edward has been a valuable member of the Hannah's Dream Project, contributing his expertise in market research and strategic analysis from the early stages. With a strong interest in the project, he took the initiative to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy by analyzing and comparing faith-based films from around the world.

Within a short period, Edward produced in-depth research, including detailed comparisons, data analysis, and insightful projections. He created structured presentations and Excel-based models that clearly outlined market positioning, audience potential, and strategic direction for Hannah's Dream. His work provided clarity and opened new perspectives for the team.

With his strong educational background, hands-on experience, and knowledge in project management, Edward's contribution has added significant value to the planning and development of the project. His research will play a key role when presenting Hannah's Dream to directors, producers, production companies, and potential partners.

I am truly impressed by the time, effort, and dedication he invested in gathering accurate data and meaningful insights. This level of research has strengthened the foundation of the project in ways I had not initially imagined.

The detailed market research presentation is available for serious inquiries, particularly for those interested in investing or partnering with the project. To review this material, a meeting can be arranged with Edward and myself via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Due to time zone differences-Malaysia being approximately 16 hours ahead of Vancouver, Canada-advance scheduling is required.

I am grateful to have team members like Edward, who bring expertise, professionalism, and clarity to this journey. His contribution continues to be an important part of shaping the future of Hannah's Dream.

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Edward - market research for HANNAH'S DREAM feature film