The pursuit of a dream can demand more than talent, determination and the willingness to keep going. Sometimes, it tests how much of one’s personal life can withstand the journey.
That tension drives Almost, a 19-minute, 20-second short film directed by Masýa Beyond Blackmon that has been named an official finalist for the 2026 Peachtree Village International Film Festival (PVIFF).
Produced by Natascha Hopkins and Maxie McClintock, the film follows an aspiring actress confronting the unforgiving realities of the entertainment industry while struggling to maintain some sense of normalcy in her personal life.
The production 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 Emotional Cost of Chasing a Dream
At the center of Almost is an aspiring actress caught between relentless professional expectations and the desire for a life that exists beyond auditions, opportunities, and career uncertainty.
Over the course of one grueling day, she faces rejection, personal loss, and mounting self-doubt as the pressures surrounding her chosen profession become increasingly difficult to separate from her own sense of worth.
The film’s premise explores a familiar contradiction within the entertainment industry: The same ambition that drives an artist forward can also place extraordinary pressure on relationships, emotional stability, and personal identity.
For its central character, the challenge extends beyond securing another opportunity. It becomes a question of how to remain committed to a dream without losing herself in the process.
Through that conflict, Almost approaches the pursuit of an acting career from a perspective that emphasizes the emotional experiences behind professional aspirations.
The story also raises questions about perseverance, sacrifice and the uncertainty facing performers whose careers may be shaped as much by rejection as by recognition.
Meet the Filmmakers and Cast
Masýa Beyond Blackmon directs Almost, with Natascha Hopkins and Maxie McClintock serving as producers.
The ensemble cast includes Jwaundace Candece, Michelle Lee, Patrice Fisher, Natascha Hopkins, Kenneth Israel, David Andrew Nash, Aaron Beelner, Kimberly Fox, Kyle Zingler and Courtney Lana.
With a runtime of 19 minutes and 20 seconds, the production uses the short-film format to explore a concentrated period of emotional and professional uncertainty.
Its selection as a PVIFF finalist places the project among the independent productions recognized for this year’s festival 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 festival’s announced scoring structure, 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, giving audiences an opportunity to watch, rate and comment on the selected productions.
The initiative is designed to provide independent filmmakers with additional visibility 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 has developed into a platform connecting independent filmmakers, actors, producers, writers and entertainment professionals with audiences and industry opportunities.
Operating under its guiding 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 commitment to supporting independent voices and expanding access within the entertainment industry.
Almost 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 additional information about PVIFF 2026, visit https://www.pviffatl.com/.
Film at a Glance
Title: Almost
Director: Masýa Beyond Blackmon
Producers: Natascha Hopkins, Maxie McClintock
Cast: Jwaundace Candece, Michelle Lee, Patrice Fisher, Natascha Hopkins, Kenneth Israel, David Andrew Nash, Aaron Beelner, Kimberly Fox, Kyle Zingler, Courtney Lana
Runtime: 19 minutes, 20 seconds
Festival Status: Official Finalist — PVIFF 2026
Festival Dates: Nov. 5-8, 2026
Festival Location: Atlanta, Georgia
