Sometimes, the most difficult journey is not the one that takes us somewhere unfamiliar. It is the one that forces us to confront what we have been afraid to say.
That emotional conflict drives Intertwined, a 13-minute, 37-second short film directed by John Schwert that has been named an official finalist for the 2026 Peachtree Village International Film Festival (PVIFF).
Produced by Schwert, Cameran Bellamy, and Erik Murphy, the film stars Bellamy and Kyle Riggs in a story centered on Marci, a woman whose arrival in a new city is overshadowed by a deeply personal mission.
Determined to fulfill a promise despite a debilitating fear, Marci finds herself drawn into the life of a local barista named Kurt. As her opportunities diminish and time begins running out, she must summon the courage to reveal why she has come looking for him.
The production joins the PVIFF finalist lineup ahead of the festival’s Nov. 5-8 gathering in Atlanta.
A Promise That Cannot Wait
At the center of Intertwined is Marci, a woman navigating unfamiliar surroundings while struggling with a fear that threatens to prevent her from accomplishing something deeply important.
Her arrival in a new city carries a purpose, but fulfilling that purpose proves more complicated than she anticipated.
Marci encounters Kurt, a handsome local barista whose presence becomes central to the answer she is seeking.
Following him to his home and workplace, she searches for an opportunity to ask a pressing question, yet repeatedly hesitates as her anxiety conflicts with her determination.
Every passing day narrows her options.
Waiting for the perfect moment, the right place or some unmistakable sign becomes increasingly difficult as the time available to fulfill her promise slips away.
Eventually, Marci must confront the fear holding her back and reveal the truth about what brought her into Kurt’s life.
The film’s premise builds its central mystery around the relationship between personal responsibility and emotional vulnerability, leaving audiences to discover the meaning behind Marci’s actions and the promise driving them.
When Fear Stands Between Intention and Action
One of the central themes of Intertwined is the difficulty of acting when emotional uncertainty becomes overwhelming.
Marci’s circumstances present a recognizable dilemma: knowing that something important must be done while struggling to find the courage to do it.
Her search for the right moment reflects a familiar human tendency to postpone difficult conversations, particularly when the outcome carries personal consequences.
The story also explores the relationship between intention and opportunity.
Marci arrives determined to accomplish a goal, but her inability to act creates mounting pressure as circumstances begin moving beyond her control.
Through its central character, Intertwined examines the emotional consequences of hesitation and the possibility that courage may require confronting uncertainty rather than waiting for it to disappear.
The unanswered questions surrounding Marci’s promise, her connection to Kurt and the truth she must reveal provide the dramatic foundation for a story about choices that cannot be delayed indefinitely.
Meet the Filmmakers and Cast
John Schwert directs Intertwined and serves as a producer alongside Cameran Bellamy and Erik Murphy.
The film features Cameran Bellamy and Kyle Riggs in the lead roles.
With a runtime of 13 minutes and 37 seconds, the production uses the short-film format to develop a character-centered story shaped by mystery, emotional conflict, and the urgency of an unresolved personal obligation.
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 are scheduled to be available on JaroGO during a limited competition viewing period, allowing audiences to watch, rate, and comment on the selected productions.
The initiative gives independent filmmakers 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.
Intertwined 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: Intertwined
Director: John Schwert
Producers: John Schwert, Cameran Bellamy, Erik Murphy
Cast: Cameran Bellamy, Kyle Riggs
Runtime: 13 minutes, 37 seconds
Festival Status: Official Finalist — PVIFF 2026
Festival Dates: Nov. 5-8, 2026
Festival Location: Atlanta, Georgia
