Thrillers are films that can be suspenseful, exciting or downright scary! They keep an audience...
Beyond the Peaks is open for entries now!
Beyond the Peaks
Student Film Festival
2023-24 — Light & Shadow
Announcing the fifth Beyond the Peaks Student Film Festival! Mountain Lake PBS is proud to celebrate creativity and amplify youth voices across our region through film and digital storytelling!
Beyond the Peaks is open to students in grades 9-12 in NY, VT, and QC. The deadline for entries is April 30, 2024.
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Special Award for 2024
Light & Shadow
Inspired by the total solar eclipse we’ll experience on April 8, 2024, a special award will be given to one exceptional film that explores the concept of Light & Shadow. To participate, create a film in any category that creatively engages with the theme. You may explore the concept in many ways: documenting the eclipse; shooting in high contrast with black and white; investigating light and dark in experimental ways using plot, characters, or locations; and more.
Literal or symbolic, the possibilities are endless!
Award: $250
Categories
Documentary
Films in the Documentary category examine real events, people or topics and aim to inform or educate viewers. Run time: 5 minutes or less.
Public Service Announcement
Films in the PSA category showcase public service announcements that convince your audience to take action. Run time: 90 seconds or less.
Thriller
Films in the Thriller category can range from stories with excitement and suspense to the downright scary. Run time: 5 minutes or less.
Narrative
Films in the Narrative category tell a story with cohesive, connected events, like a comedy or drama. Run time: 5 minutes or less.
Open
Films in the Open category don’t fit in any other category. This can include music videos, animation, experimental films, or others. Run time: 5 minutes or less.
Storytelling & Filmmaking
Find curated resources and learning tools on PBS LearningMedia
Filmmaking Tools & Resources
Looking for resources to help you create festival-worthy films? Here's our short list of editing apps and music and image libraries.
When working with music and images, always pay attention to licensing and credit requirements! Include these on screen at the same time the image or music is used, or in your film’s credits. When in doubt, ask for permission to use materials from the creator or source of the music or image.
FAQ
When is the festival?
The festival runs through the 2023-2024 school year.
Submissions are due April 30, 2024 by 11:59 PM. A Red Carpet Showcase event will take place in June 2024.
Who can participate?
High School students, grades 9-12, located in NY, VT and QC are eligible to enter.
How do I submit my film?
The film festival uses a platform called Launchpad. Students and teachers can register, view filmmaking tutorials, and submit films at: https://beyondthepeaks.skills21.org/
Launchpad complies with New York’s Edlaw 2-d
What is required to submit my film?
All submissions must include:
Film trailer, poster, synopsis, cast and crew lists, and a final film at or under required run-time.
Pre-production materials vary by film entry category. These may include:
Script, storyboard, and/or interview questions.
Support provided by:
