Narrative films tell a story with cohesive, connected events. Usually fictional, narratives rely on believable storylines and characters to help convince your audience that they’re watching real life play out onscreen. Films in this genre cover a wide range of themes and ideas, from goofy comedies to serious dramas, or moving, personal stories that tug at a viewer’s heartstrings. No matter what subject matter you choose, pay attention to how pacing, camera angles, music and other filmmaking techniques can all help craft a convincing narrative film.
Making a narrative film of your own? Check out filmmaking tools, tips, and classroom-ready resources on the Beyond the Peaks festival homepage and in our Storytelling and Filmmaking collection on PBS LearningMedia.
Narrative category requirements:
- Films must have a run time of 5 minutes or less.
- Pre-production materials include a script and storyboard.
- Additional materials include a poster, trailer, synopsis, and cast & crew lists.
Students can submit original films in a variety of additional categories including Documentary, 60-Second Challenge, Thriller, and Open.
Discover Engaging Narrative Films
Get inspired to create your own narrative film with this selection of student filmmaker productions. Explore engaging onscreen stories—from a dreamy journey into one boy’s memories to a quirky look at what it takes to have the “Best Dish” at the neighborhood fair—there’s lots to discover with narratives.
Memory
Watch as a young man forgets his password and must venture deep into his memory to retrieve it in this surreal and contemplative short film. Submitted by Saratoga Springs High School student Dylan Ferrara, “Memory” was the Narrative category and 1st Place Overall winner in the 2024 Beyond the Peaks Film Festival.
Gwen | Film School Shorts
In this quirky film by Madeline Snapp, we meet an overachiever named Gwen who is obsessed with eggs. Her passion has led to four consecutive wins for “Best Dish” at the Blue Briar Neighborhood Fair until a crushing loss in the Spring of 2009 steals her thunder. Will she reclaim her title this year? Film School Shorts, brought to you by KQED, is a weekly series that showcases short student films, giving emerging filmmakers around the country a platform to show off their top-notch storytelling.
Abeyance
In a war-ravaged world dominated by extreme ideologies a lone survivor navigates the wilderness amidst the ruins, living through the downfall of humanity. “Abeyance,” a Narrative category nominee and the 2nd Place Overall winner in the 2024 Beyond the Peaks Film Festival, was submitted by Kian Hezarkhani from Saint Lambert International High School.
Enter the “Beyond the Peaks Student Film Festival”!
To get started, create a student or teacher account on Launchpad. Explore tutorials, resources, and step-by-step instructions on how to successfully submit your completed film entries!
Documentary | Narrative | Thriller | 60-Second Challenge | Open entry
Submissions are due May 13th with winners announced at an end-of-school year Red Carpet Showcase. The top three winners will receive a cash prize and video supplies!
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