A New 'Land Before Time'-Inspired Short Film Is Coming & We're Not Emotionally Ready
The indie short film titled 'LITTLEFOOT' is paying tribute to the animated dinosaur tearjerker that traumatised and inspired a whole generation.
By Tamara Jayne — 08 May 2025, 09:34 AM
If you're a '90s kid, chances are you still remember exactly how it felt when Littlefoot lost his mum in The Land Before Time
That heart-wrenching moment, followed by a journey of survival and unlikely friendship, left a permanent mark on childhoods around the world — especially if you were raised on a steady diet of VCR tapes and Sugus.
Now, decades later, a British indie filmmaker is reimagining that emotional legacy in a new short film called LITTLEFOOT
And no, it's not a reboot with Hollywood backing or a sequel trying to cash in on nostalgia. It's something much more sincere.
It isn't a remake — it's more of a love letter to the story that made us all cry over cartoon dinosaurs
The project comes from UK-based director Joey Lever, who grew up deeply moved by the original 1988 film. But rather than remaking The Land Before Time, Lever's version is a tribute — a modern reinterpretation that taps into the same core emotions: grief, courage, and the healing power of friendship.
"Growing up, The Land Before Time meant everything to me. It wasn't just a dinosaur film. It was a story about grief, courage, and the strength of community. Those themes hit hard as a kid and still resonate even more as an adult," he shared in a recent interview with SAYS.
The upcoming LITTLEFOOT short film blends live-action performances with rich visual effects, aiming to ground the fantasy in something deeply human
"We're telling a powerful story about loss and resilience," Lever explained. "It's not just a tribute for fans — we want it to stand on its own and reach new audiences too."
Unlike big-budget revivals, LITTLEFOOT is being produced independently with no major studio backing.
Lever describes the production as "a true indie film", fuelled entirely by a team of passionate artists, animators, and actors who believe in the story they're telling.
"Every element has been crafted with care and intention — from the original score to the visual effects to the world we've built," Lever said.
"It's not the kind of film you make because it's easy or convenient. It's the kind you make because everyone involved believes in it deeply."
"The cast we've assembled is phenomenal," Lever added. "Every actor brings something raw and heartfelt to the story."
Summer-Joules will play the character Littlefoot in the reboot of Steven Spielberg's 1988 animated film series.
Image via Joey Lever (Provided to SAYS)
You'll be able to stream LITTLEFOOT for free on YouTube later this year
Accessibility is a huge part of this project's ethos. Lever and his team want LITTLEFOOT to reach as many people as possible, especially fans of the original who may have longed for a return to that world.
"We're currently in post-production, and we're planning to release LITTLEFOOT on YouTube — totally free," Lever confirmed. "Hopefully later this year. If not, then early next year."
Once the release date is locked in, the team will drop an official trailer and poster — which we're guessing will immediately trigger a wave of nostalgic tears across the Internet.
With LITTLEFOOT, Lever hopes to bring back the depth of The Land Before Time — not through flashy reboots, but by honouring the heartbreak, hope, and heart that made the original so unforgettable
"I wanted to revisit that emotional core through a modern lens," he said. "To create something meaningful that doesn't just look back — but speaks to where we are now."
So, if you're someone who grew up clutching your chest during that opening scene — or just love a good cry disguised as a children's film — this one's for you.
