You’re invited to enter other worlds of imagination, innovation, and contemplation, thanks to young filmmakers in the Mountain Lake PBS region. You’ll see a variety of short subjects created for the Beyond the Peaks Student Film Festival, as talented youth explore the art of making movies. Come along for the ride as we enjoy Student Festival Films, Spotlight Beyond the Peaks.
In this special episode of Mountain Lake Journal, “Spotlight” host Paul Larson presents the work of talented teens from the state of New York and the province of Quebec. The short films you’ll see are all winning entries in the film festival for the year 2025. View the special program here.
Congratulations to the award-winners!
First Place Overall and Narrative Category Winner
Armoire
Submitted by Dylan Ferrara & Max Greenblatt
Thriller Category Winner
POP
Submitted by Melina Mitchell
60-Second Challenge Category Winner
Woods
Submitted by Charles Barone-Shaw
Documentary Category Winner
Whisper of Resilience
Submitted by Océanne Rugwizangoga
Open Category Winner
Cliques
Submitted by Jaden Telesco
The Second Place Overall winner is the film Daydreams, submitted by Jaden Telesco. The Third Place Overall winner is the film Critical Crust, submitted by Kian Hezarkhani.
You may watch all the winning films and nominees on our Beyond the Peaks 2025 YouTube Playlist.
Feeling like directing a movie? If you are in high school and live in New York state, Vermont or the province of Quebec, you’re welcome to submit a film for our next contest. Learn about the 2026 competition here.
Spotlight is made possible, in part, by the Glenn and Carol Pearsall Adirondack Foundation, dedicated to improving the quality of life for year-round residents of the Adirondack Park. Spotlight is also supported by Hill and Hollow Music.