Sometimes, the smallest gesture carries the greatest potential for change.
That idea drives A Dollar’s Worth of Hope, a short film directed by EP McKnight and produced by Ole Cram that has been named an official finalist for the 2026 Peachtree Village International Film Festival (PVIFF).
Featuring performances by McKnight, Riya Bonthu, Anecca Peoples and Cram, the six-minute, 20-second production explores how a chance encounter can set two lives on an unexpected path toward hope, resilience and redemption.
The film joins this year’s PVIFF finalist lineup ahead of the festival’s Nov. 5-8 gathering in Atlanta, where independent filmmakers will compete for recognition through professional judging and audience participation.
The Ripple Effect of Kindness
At the heart of A Dollar’s Worth of Hope is a seemingly ordinary encounter between two individuals whose futures become intertwined in unexpected ways.
When one young person’s act of kindness sparks a meaningful connection, the consequences begin extending beyond that initial moment.
What follows is a story about transformation, the resilience of the human spirit and the possibilities created when compassion enters someone’s life at precisely the right time.
As the characters’ paths continue to intersect, their growing connection raises questions about the power of generosity and whether a single gesture can become the beginning of something far greater.
The film’s premise places human connection at the center of its narrative, exploring how hope can emerge from everyday circumstances and how seemingly minor decisions can carry lasting consequences.
Meet the Filmmakers
EP McKnight directs A Dollar’s Worth of Hope and appears among the film’s principal cast.
Ole Cram serves as producer and also appears onscreen alongside Riya Bonthu and Anecca Peoples.
At six minutes and 20 seconds, the production uses the short-film format to examine themes of kindness, resilience, redemption and the transformative potential of human relationships.
Its selection as a PVIFF finalist places the project among the independent films recognized for this year’s competition.
PVIFF Finalists Compete Through Judging and Audience Engagement
The 2026 Peachtree Village International Film Festival is incorporating professional judging and audience participation into its finalist evaluation process.
Under the announced scoring system, 70% of each finalist’s overall competition score will come from evaluations by judges representing PVIFF and JaroGO. The remaining 30% will be determined by audience engagement through the JaroGO streaming platform.
Participating finalist films will be available on JaroGO during a limited competition viewing period, allowing audiences to watch, rate and comment on the productions.
The initiative provides filmmakers with additional opportunities to introduce their work to viewers while extending the festival experience beyond traditional theatrical screenings.
JaroGO is available on iOS and Android in the United States and Canada.
About the 2026 Peachtree Village International Film Festival
Founded in 2005, the Peachtree Village International Film Festival provides a platform for independent filmmakers, actors, producers, writers and entertainment professionals to showcase their work and develop industry relationships.
Guided by its philosophy, “It Takes a Village,” PVIFF combines film screenings and awards with professional development opportunities, industry panels, masterclasses and networking experiences.
The 2026 festival will take place Nov. 5-8 in Atlanta, Georgia, continuing its mission of supporting independent voices and expanding opportunities across the entertainment industry.
A Dollar’s Worth of Hope enters this year’s competition as an official finalist, with award results to be determined through the festival’s judging and audience-engagement process.
For more information about PVIFF 2026, visit https://www.pviffatl.com/.
Film at a Glance
Title: A Dollar’s Worth of Hope
Director: EP McKnight
Producer: Ole Cram
Cast: EP McKnight, Riya Bonthu, Anecca Peoples, Ole Cram
Runtime: 6 minutes, 20 seconds
Festival Status: Official Finalist — PVIFF 2026
Festival Dates: Nov. 5-8, 2026
Festival Location: Atlanta, Georgia
