What does it take to imagine a future that others believe is impossible?

That question drives Beryllium, a 16-minute, 18-second short film directed by Andres Beeco and produced by Kristen DeSantis that has been named an official finalist for the 2026 Peachtree Village International Film Festival (PVIFF).

Set during the height of the space race, the film follows a brilliant engineer who risks his professional future to design a nuclear-powered Space Shuttle for NASA, envisioning technology capable of carrying humanity beyond the moon and toward the stars.

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.

Beyond the Moon: A Vision of the Future

At the center of Beryllium is an engineer whose ambitions extend far beyond the technological expectations of his time.

Against the backdrop of the space race, when scientific breakthroughs and national aspirations were transforming humanity’s relationship with space, he pursues a concept that could redefine the boundaries of exploration.

His proposed nuclear-powered spacecraft represents more than an engineering challenge. It becomes a test of personal conviction and professional courage.

For the engineer, the possibility of extending human exploration beyond the moon is worth risking the career he has worked to establish.

The film’s premise draws tension from the conflict between innovation and institutional expectations, examining the obstacles that can arise when an individual’s vision moves beyond conventional thinking.

Through this central struggle, Beryllium explores the determination required to pursue groundbreaking ideas and the sacrifices that can accompany scientific ambition.

The Human Story Behind Scientific Innovation

Although its narrative centers on aerospace engineering and the possibilities of nuclear propulsion, Beryllium also presents a story about ambition, perseverance and the willingness to challenge accepted limitations.

The space race provides a historical backdrop for a fictional exploration of the relationship between individual ingenuity and institutional resistance.

Its central character faces a dilemma familiar across creative and scientific disciplines: whether to protect an established career or pursue an idea whose potential may not yet be fully understood or accepted.

That conflict gives the film a human dimension beyond its technological premise.

Rather than focusing exclusively on the mechanics of space travel, the story raises broader questions about innovation, the courage to think differently and the people willing to accept uncertainty in pursuit of meaningful progress.

Meet the Filmmakers and Cast

Andres Beeco directs Beryllium, with Kristen DeSantis serving as producer.

The ensemble cast features Mark Holmes, Sierra Christensen, Travis Crane, Kathleen Graham, Dante Sellers, Zaria Barnes, Mike Boland, Aaron Treadway and Bella Paul.

With a runtime of 16 minutes and 18 seconds, the production uses the short-film format to explore a story grounded in scientific ambition, historical imagination and the possibilities of human exploration.

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.

Beryllium 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: Beryllium

Director: Andres Beeco

Producer: Kristen DeSantis

Cast: Mark Holmes, Sierra Christensen, Travis Crane, Kathleen Graham, Dante Sellers, Zaria Barnes, Mike Boland, Aaron Treadway, Bella Paul

Runtime: 16 minutes, 18 seconds

Festival Status: Official Finalist — PVIFF 2026

Festival Dates: Nov. 5-8, 2026

Festival Location: Atlanta, Georgia