The Open category is for films that don’t fall under the other submission categories of Thriller, Narrative, Documentary or the 60-Second Challenge. Open category films can range in genre and style—from music to how-to videos, animation to experimental—the sky’s the limit! With this truly imaginative category, you’ll find the freedom and flexibility to satisfy your creative spirit while making something distinct and new.
Making an Open category 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.
Open 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, Thriller, 60-Second Challenge, and Narrative.
Discover Films Full of Variety
Get inspired to create your own Open category film with this selection of independent and student filmmaker productions. Explore inventive techniques and diverse topics—from riffs on 8-bit animation and how-to tutorials to video diary confessions—there’s no limit to what you’ll discover.
Heartbreaker | Beyond the Peaks Student Film Fest 2024
In “Heartbreaker,” Jack’s heartbreak leads him to an arcade where a twist of fate sucks him into the game itself. Trapped in a realm of 8-bit challenges, he must navigate treacherous levels and defeat relentless enemies. As Jack battles through the game, he seeks a way back to reality with a second wind. Submitted by Northwest Career and Technical Education Center student Isabella Gibson, “Heartbreaker” was an Open category nominee in the 2024 Beyond the Peaks Film Festival.
Cartoon Academy: Welcome to the Ocean Floor | PBS Short Film Festival
In this how-to film, cartoonist Joe Wos takes viewers of all ages through the creative steps of drawing cartoon characters while sharing tips on developing skill, artistic terms, and educational facts about the characters. Dive deep with Joe as you learn how to draw an octopus, blobfish and anglerfish–while learning about the importance of depth and dimension. This selection is from the 2023 PBS Short Film Festival.
Montage of a Girl | Beyond the Peaks Student Film Fest 2024
Becoming an adult isn’t fun for anyone; through the eyes of a teenage girl, it can be even worse. This short film reveals the true, raw mind of a 16-year-old girl who finds herself in a world of uncertainty and comes to terms with the end of her childhood. “Montage of a Girl,” an Open category nominee in the 2024 Beyond the Peaks Film Festival, was submitted by Danielle McCaffrey from Brushton-Moira 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!
Sign up for Beyond the Peaks!
Register your account today to get started and receive email updates about the festival.
