A Celebration of Cinema! Enjoy Student Festival Films
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You're invited to explore other worlds of creativity, ingenuity, and intensity, thanks to young filmmakers in the Mountain Lake PBS region. Student Festival Films: Spotlight Beyond the Peaks showcases short subjects produced for the Beyond the Peaks Student Film Festival.
In this special episode of Mountain Lake Journal, “Spotlight” host Paul Larson presents the work of talented teens from the state of New York. The short films you’ll see are all winning entries in the film festival for the year 2026.
Join us on the journey as young talent navigate the art of making movies.
Mountain Lake PBS
Student Festival Films: Spotlight Beyond the Peaks 2026
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 2027 competition here.
Ceremony Emcee Paul Larson
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Festival Coordinator Logan Brody
Winners Max Greenblatt & Dylan Ferrara with Mountain Lake PBS CEO Bill McColgan
CONGRATULATIONS to the award-winners!
Submitted by Daniel Pelkey
First Place Overall | Thriller Category Winner | After Dusk
Young point guard Wesley seemingly vanishes from thin air whilst shooting hoops outside. Inside, his parents John and Rose argue over what happened—and who's to blame. By morning, there's still no sign of him after the town's sheriff searched all night to no avail. Where could Wesley have gone?
Submitted by Jaden Telesco
Second Place Overall | Rearview Mirror
On a freezing cold morning a heated argument between Doug and Miranda spirals out of control, catching the attention of bystander, Carlos. This public confrontation quickly turns into something far more disturbing, as a hidden trash bag reveals a dark truth. As Carlos hesitates between getting involved or looking away, the tension builds to a shocking and unforgettable ending.
Submitted by Dylan Ferrara & Max Greenblatt
Third Place Overall | Narrative Category Winner | Resonance
A passionate young musician is driven to their breaking point in the pursuit of perfecting her craft when she realizes she must let go of the impossible weight of her own expectations.
Submitted by Zack Lewis
60-Second Challenge Winner | This heART of Mine
This film, utilizing a unique blend of animation and live action, encapsulates the repeated internal debate over accepting and embracing one's creative identity and expression.
Submitted by Jillian Nowak
Open Category Winner | Marinating
A rabbit is left by herself to think about every mistake she has made. Escaping her entrapment for a breather, she tries to let these thoughts go. How does she finally resolve the negative thoughts plaguing her mind?
Submitted by Olivia Sweet
Documentary Category Winner | The Scotties Rundown: Behind the Scenes
The weekly morning show at Ballston Spa High School, called the Scotties Rundown, is run by students enrolled in CHS Broadcasting & Video Production. Throughout the year, students learn skills that include interviewing varying demographics, working with cameras, and editing videos. This documentary shows the behind the scenes of the production of the Scotties Rundown and what it's all about.
Enjoy award-winning films from previous years in the Student Festival Films archive.
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.