Experiencing Interruptions?

Dwarf Story

In 2021, a miracle drug, Vosoritide, came on the market. It provided hope for treating a condition called achondroplasia, more commonly known as dwarfism, that affects one in every 25,000 people. Families were told it would make their children significantly taller, as well as treating other medical complications associated with the condition, offering the promise of a more 'normal life'.

In DWARF STORY, we join three extraordinary young people from around the world (from America, Britain and Australia) and the clinical geneticist who has led the development and application of the drug - as they reveal how their lives have been affected by the treatment.

At the intersection of parental choice, personal identity and social stigma, their experiences give voice to a vital and urgent question. As scientific advances redefine what's possible...is dwarfism and in turn disability in general, a problem to be cured?

Subtitles available.

  • Riccardo Servini
    Director
    A Space in Time, Dwarf Story
  • Sophie Harmer
    Producer
    Audrey, Call Me Kate, A Space in Time
  • Nick Taussig
    Producer
    McQueen, Churchill, Audrey
  • David Chan
    DOP
  • Natalja Safronova
    DOP
  • Gary Huff
    DOP
  • Thom Robson
    Composer
    The Wall: Climb for Gold, Predators
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 20 minutes 17 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 1, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    150,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia, United Kingdom, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Little Venice Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    October 22, 2024
    UK Premiere
    Winner Best Documentary
  • Little Venice Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    October 22, 2024
    UK Premiere
    Winner Best Feature Documentary
  • Little Venice Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    October 22, 2024
    UK Premiere
    The Disability Experience Award
  • Melbourne Documentary Film Festival
    Melbourne
    Australia
    July 1, 2025
  • Gloucester Independent Film Festival
    Gloucester
    United Kingdom
    April 12, 2025
    Winner Best International Feature Documentary
  • Anatolia International Film Festival
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    February 7, 2025
    Winner Best Documentary Feature Film
  • Anatolia International Film Festival
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    February 7, 2025
    Winner Best Editing in a Documentary
  • Liverpool Indie Awards
    Liverpool
    United Kingdom
    March 29, 2025
    Winner Best Feature Documentary
  • Folkestone Film Festival
    Folkestone
    United Kingdom
    March 24, 2025
    Winner Best Feature Documentary
  • Wifi Film Festival
    Topeka, Kansas
    United States
    April 12, 2025
    Nominated
Distribution Information
  • Rainmaker Content
    Sales Agent
    Country: United Kingdom
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Riccardo Servini

Riccardo Servini is a documentary filmmaker based in the UK.

His work has been described as intimate, sensitive and insightful. It mostly focuses on the human condition and raising awareness.

He lives with various chronic conditions including Crohn’s disease. This has shaped his worldview and the way he presents his art with empathy and an inquisitive mind. He uses an observational and conversational style that isn’t rooted in bias or agenda, focusing on giving people a platform to tell their side of the story and their truths.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

When I was offered this project, It was a tough decision deciding if I wanted to do it but ultimately I hoped I could help amplify the voices of people with Dwarfism and as an outsider look at all sides of the conversation of what is a complicated and nuanced subject around science, medications, difference, parental choice, societal views and of course Dwarfism.

I believe we have a film here that will educate the world on lots of unknown things about the Dwarfism community and the existential crisis they are experiencing due to decisions from big pharma and how the media presents them.