Dreams Beyond Tomorrow

Dreams Beyond Tomorrow

Directed by Erin Pedersen

Produced in collaboration with Emmy-nominated and internationally award-winning filmmaker Erin Pedersen and international award-winning fine art photographer and Founder & CEO of Womanity Portrait Foundation, Galina Semenova, this cinematic documentary moves beyond the lens to illuminate the powerful stories and wisdom of women living with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. The film explores the profound impact of living in the present moment—and how it reshapes relationships, quality of life, and the entire experience of living.

Director Statement

When Gala first came to me with the idea for this film, I immediately knew I wanted to help share these women’s stories. Although I do not have a personal connection to Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, I deeply relate to what it means to fight every day to live through my own autoimmune diseases. That shared understanding of mortality, uncertainty, and resilience became the emotional foundation of this film.

What struck me most throughout the process was that many of these women — who were once perfectly healthy before receiving a diagnosis most people fear — described their diagnosis not as a tragedy, but as the moment they truly began living. Their stories challenged the way Gala and I viewed life, presence, and what it means to fully embrace the time we have.

Our goal was not only to show that these women are far more than their diagnosis, but also to remind audiences that life is fragile and unpredictable. You should not have to wait for devastating news to begin appreciating your life, your relationships, and the present moment.

Throughout the film, we weave in the metaphor of the ocean as a reflection of life itself — constantly moving, unpredictable, beautiful, and at times overwhelming. Like the waves, life can pull us into fear and uncertainty, but when we surrender, breathe, and keep moving forward, we discover our strength. The ocean continues to flow, just as life does, and this film is ultimately an invitation to cherish every moment while we can.

Director Biography

Erin Pedersen is an Emmy-nominated and international award-winning producer and filmmaker whose work centers on women’s stories, social impact, and cultural storytelling. Now in her mid-20s, she has traveled across five continents documenting the stories and activism of women around the world. Alongside her professional work, Erin mentors high school students in creating social-change documentaries — one of which earned a 2025 Emmy nomination, and another that led to her own Children’s & Family Emmy nomination as Coordinating Producer.

By day, Erin works as a Producer, Partnerships & Accounts at Hammer Creative, where she works on video game marketing campaigns. Prior, Erin has also collaborated with high-profile clients, including the NFL, PBS, Oscar nominees, and major VIP live events.

In Spring 2024, Erin created the documentary Daughters of Abraham, which received a global award for women’s empowerment and religious freedom and was presented at the United Nations. She also contributed to All Things Metal, which was accepted into the 2024 Tribeca Festival and shortlisted for a 2025 Academy Award.

Plays in

Mind. Body. Balance. – Doc Block 2