Hollywood Ventures Group Boards Vatican-Produced Documentary Short 'Green Lava' for Oscar Contention
The inspirational documentary short about a young Italian man facing Duchenne muscular dystrophy has secured new executive producers ahead of the Academy Awards.
Published 2 November 2026
Hollywood Ventures Group Joins the Project
Hollywood Ventures Group has officially boarded the documentary short 'Green Lava'. The film production and consultancy outfit was co-founded by former Amazon MGM Studios executive Glenn S. Gainor and industry veteran Sandy Climan.
Alongside Gainor and Climan, industry figures Nelly Kim and Nabeel Laher have joined John Shufeldt MD as executive producers on the 39-minute film.
A Historic First for the Vatican
Directed by Lia Beltrami and Ali Aksu, 'Green Lava' holds a unique place in cinematic history as the first film to be submitted by the Vatican for Oscar consideration in the 97-year history of the Academy Awards.
Because the project competes in the short film category, it does not require an official endorsement or submission from a national government or a country-specific committee, setting it apart from international feature entries.
The Story of Giacomo Mattivi
The inspirational documentary short is set against the backdrop of the Dolomites and follows Giacomo Mattivi, a young Italian man living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
The narrative explores Giacomo facing life without his brother Mattia, who recently succumbed to the same condition. It highlights how he defies societal expectations and finds strength within his community and the natural world.
Collaborative Production Effort
Emotions to Generate Change, the company belonging to co-director Lia Beltrami, produced 'Green Lava' in collaboration with Vatican News, Radio Vaticana, and Vatican Media.
Ali Aksu and Lia Beltrami serve as producers alongside Los Angeles-based David Dubinsky and Dominique Appleby. Additional partners on the production include Untold.
Filmmaker and Producer Perspectives
Co-director and producer Lia Beltrami expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Hollywood Ventures Group, noting that it will help widen the tent and make Giacomo's message accessible globally.
Co-director Ali Aksu emphasized Giacomo's fierce presence, humor, and stubbornness, stating that bringing his story to the screen as part of the first Vatican-produced film in Oscar contention is one of the great honors of his life.
The Path to the Oscars
'Green Lava' completed its necessary Oscar-qualifying theatrical run by screening at the Lumiere Music Hall in Beverly Hills between September 18 and September 24.
Hollywood Ventures Group will act as a strategic producing partner, using its global network to elevate the film's visibility, expand its reach, and explore distribution opportunities.
News Overview
Hollywood Ventures Group has boarded the Vatican-produced documentary short 'Green Lava' as executive producers to help expand its reach during awards season. Directed by Lia Beltrami and Ali Aksu, the 39-minute film marks a historic 97-year first for the Vatican in Academy Award submissions.
Key facts
- Green Lava is a 39-minute documentary short directed by Lia Beltrami and Ali Aksu.
- The film follows Giacomo Mattivi, a young Italian man living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
- Green Lava is the first film to be submitted by the Vatican for Oscar consideration in the 97-year history of the Academy Awards.
- Hollywood Ventures Group was co-founded by Glenn S. Gainor and Sandy Climan.
- The film completed its Oscar-qualifying theatrical run at the Lumiere Music Hall in Beverly Hills from September 18-24.