The promise of discovering another world often inspires visions of adventure, possibility, and the extraordinary landscapes that might exist beyond our own. But what happens when that discovery also becomes a reminder of everything humanity has lost?
That contrast shapes Iridescent, a nine-minute, four-second short film directed by A.B. Osborne and produced by Max Leverett that has been named an official finalist for the 2026 Peachtree Village International Film Festival (PVIFF).
Featuring Kayla Johnson, the film follows Tess, a space explorer who discovers a remarkable new planet called Iridescent. As she journeys through its rich ecosystems and encounters fantastical creatures, the beauty surrounding her stirs memories of the world she left behind.
That former home, once beautiful in its own right, has been polluted and abandoned.
The production joins this year’s PVIFF finalist lineup ahead of the festival’s Nov. 5-8 gathering in Atlanta, bringing an environmentally conscious science-fiction narrative to the independent film competition.
Discovering a World of Possibility
At the center of Iridescent is Tess, an explorer whose journey takes her into an unfamiliar planetary environment filled with extraordinary life.
The newly discovered world offers an abundance of natural wonders, from its diverse ecosystems to the fantastical creatures inhabiting its landscapes.
For Tess, exploration becomes an opportunity to experience the beauty of a place untouched by the environmental devastation that defined the planet she once called home.
Yet the discovery carries an emotional complication.
As Tess witnesses the vitality of Iridescent, she reflects on the beauty of her former homeland and the pollution that ultimately contributed to its abandonment.
The contrast between the two worlds provides the foundation for a story about discovery, memory and environmental loss.
Rather than presenting space exploration solely as an adventure into the unknown, Iridescent uses its central journey to raise questions about humanity’s relationship with the natural environments it inhabits.
The new planet represents possibility, while the world left behind serves as a reminder of what can disappear when environmental damage becomes irreversible.
Environmental Storytelling Through Science Fiction
Science fiction has long provided filmmakers with a way to examine contemporary concerns through imagined futures and unfamiliar settings.
Iridescent follows that tradition by using planetary exploration as a framework for reflecting on environmental responsibility.
The story’s contrast between a thriving new world and an abandoned, polluted homeland introduces a central question: What does it mean to discover another place worth protecting when the consequences of failing to protect a previous home remain unresolved?
Through Tess’s experience, the film approaches environmental loss from a personal perspective.
The wonder of encountering unfamiliar ecosystems exists alongside memories of a planet whose natural beauty was compromised.
That juxtaposition gives the film’s premise an emotional dimension beyond exploration itself.
The presence of fantastical creatures and unfamiliar landscapes also offers opportunities for imaginative storytelling, allowing the new world to represent both discovery and the fragile value of life.
With a runtime of just over nine minutes, Iridescent brings these ideas into a compact narrative centered on exploration and reflection.
Meet the Filmmakers and Cast
A.B. Osborne directs Iridescent, with Max Leverett serving as producer.
The film features Kayla Johnson in its cast.
The production combines elements of science fiction, planetary exploration and environmental storytelling to examine the relationship between discovery and the consequences of ecological destruction.
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 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.
Iridescent 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: Iridescent
Director: A.B. Osborne
Producer: Max Leverett
Cast: Kayla Johnson
Runtime: 9 minutes, 4 seconds
Genre: Science Fiction
Festival Status: Official Finalist — PVIFF 2026
Festival Dates: Nov. 5-8, 2026
Festival Location: Atlanta, Georgia
