The pursuit of the American Dream often comes with promises of opportunity, success, and personal fulfillment. But what happens when the journey toward that dream becomes the source of an unexpected personal crisis?

That question drives American Junkie, a 16-minute, 45-second short film directed and produced by Khalil A. Shipman that has been named an official finalist for the 2026 Peachtree Village International Film Festival (PVIFF).

The film follows an aspiring filmmaker whose life takes a troubling turn after she suffers an injury on set. What begins as a professional setback develops into a struggle involving addiction, prescription pills and increasingly dangerous efforts to satisfy her dependency.

Produced by Shipman alongside Nancy Carmona-Lopez, Lilli Chase and Kenneth C. Franklin, American Junkie joins the PVIFF finalist lineup ahead of the festival’s Nov. 5-8 gathering in Atlanta.

When the American Dream Takes a Dark Turn

At the center of American Junkie is a young creative professional pursuing a career in filmmaking.

Her ambitions are disrupted by an on-set injury that sets her on an increasingly destructive path.

As addiction takes hold, her circumstances become more complicated, forcing her into a world where the need for relief begins to overshadow the aspirations that once defined her future.

The film’s premise places the relationship between professional ambition and personal vulnerability under examination, raising questions about the consequences of physical injury, substance dependency and the pressures surrounding individual success.

Rather than presenting the American Dream solely as a destination, the story considers the personal costs that can emerge along the way.

Through its central character’s struggle, American Junkie explores how quickly a promising professional journey can become entangled with circumstances that threaten personal stability and well-being.

The film also invites audiences to consider the difficult realities facing individuals whose struggles with addiction may begin with an unexpected injury rather than an intentional pursuit of substance use.

Meet the Filmmakers and Cast

Khalil A. Shipman serves as director and one of the producers of American Junkie, working alongside Nancy Carmona-Lopez, Lilli Chase and Kenneth C. Franklin.

The film features an ensemble cast that includes Teleia Mitchell, Kenneth C. Franklin, Malcolm McGhee, Aja Crooks and Jessica M. Lee.

With a runtime of 16 minutes and 45 seconds, the production uses the short-film format to explore themes of ambition, addiction, vulnerability and the consequences of chasing professional success.

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, allowing audiences 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.

American Junkie 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: American Junkie

Director: Khalil A. Shipman

Producers: Khalil A. Shipman, Nancy Carmona-Lopez, Lilli Chase, Kenneth C. Franklin

Cast: Teleia Mitchell, Kenneth C. Franklin, Malcolm McGhee, Aja Crooks, Jessica M. Lee

Runtime: 16 minutes, 45 seconds

Festival Status: Official Finalist — PVIFF 2026

Festival Dates: Nov. 5-8, 2026

Festival Location: Atlanta, Georgia