Some of the most meaningful stories are told through the smallest gestures.
That sentiment shapes Faith and The Christmas Star, a 19-minute, 34-second animated holiday film directed and produced by Anne Trenning that has been named an official finalist for the 2026 Peachtree Village International Film Festival (PVIFF).
Featuring Miranda Lial and Hannah Alyea, the film follows a young girl whose simple errand through snow-covered streets becomes an unexpected journey of kindness and human connection.
The production joins this year’s PVIFF finalist lineup ahead of the festival’s Nov. 5-8 gathering in Atlanta, introducing audiences to a gentle holiday story that emphasizes compassion, generosity and the emotional power of visual storytelling.
A Christmas Journey Built Around Kindness
At the center of Faith and The Christmas Star is a young girl traveling through a peaceful winter landscape.
What begins as an ordinary errand gradually becomes something more meaningful as her journey reveals opportunities for connection and acts of kindness.
Set against snowy streets and the familiar atmosphere of the Christmas season, the story explores how seemingly modest interactions can carry significance far beyond the moment in which they occur.
The film’s premise draws on the emotional qualities associated with traditional holiday storytelling, placing compassion and generosity at the heart of its narrative.
Rather than building its appeal around elaborate conflicts or dramatic spectacle, Faith and The Christmas Star invites viewers into a quieter world where everyday experiences can reveal something meaningful about the relationships people share.
Its central message emphasizes the value of recognizing others, extending kindness and appreciating the connections that often emerge unexpectedly.
Visual Storytelling With a Musical Sensibility
One of the film’s distinguishing creative elements is its approach to storytelling through imagery and musical structure.
Described as unfolding with the qualities of a musical suite, Faith and The Christmas Star uses visual storytelling to establish an atmosphere in which quieter moments carry much of the emotional expression.
The approach places particular importance on mood, pacing and the relationship between visual movement and the unfolding narrative.
For family audiences, that creative direction offers an alternative to more dialogue-driven holiday entertainment, allowing the themes of compassion and generosity to emerge through the experience of the story.
The film’s animation also provides a setting in which winter imagery, movement and emotional expression can work together to reinforce its central themes.
Meet the Creative Team
Anne Trenning serves as both director and producer of Faith and The Christmas Star.
The film features Miranda Lial and Hannah Alyea, with Alyea contributing voice acting to the animated production.
With a runtime of 19 minutes and 34 seconds, the film presents a self-contained holiday story centered on kindness, human connection and the spirit of giving.
Its selection as a PVIFF finalist places the project among the independent productions recognized for the festival’s 2026 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.
Faith and The Christmas Star 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: Faith and The Christmas Star (2026)
Director: Anne Trenning
Producer: Anne Trenning
Cast: Miranda Lial, Hannah Alyea
Runtime: 19 minutes, 34 seconds
Genre: Animated Holiday Film
Festival Status: Official Finalist — PVIFF 2026
Festival Dates: Nov. 5-8, 2026
Festival Location: Atlanta, Georgia
