The Beyond the Peaks Student Film Festival is a celebration of young filmmakers’ creativity. Hosted annually by Mountain Lake PBS, the festival expands opportunities in filmmaking and digital storytelling while creating a platform for creative expression and empowering youth voices.
This year, Mountain Lake PBS received 76 captivating short film submissions from over 200 high school-aged students participating as directors, editors, actors, and crew members. They brought their visions to life on-screen in a wide range of genres, including Documentary, Narrative, Thriller, Open, and the 60-Second Challenge.
Check out the nominated and winning films from the 2026 Beyond the Peaks Film Fest on YouTube and don’t miss the Mountain Lake Journal special, Student Festival Films: Spotlight Beyond the Peaks, premiering Friday, August 28 at 8 PM. See how the next generation of creators is already making its mark as students share their unique perspectives through the art of digital storytelling.