Queensbury High School sophomore Jaden Telesco captivated audiences and judges alike at the 2025 Beyond the Peaks Student Film Festival on June 14 at the historic Strand Center Theatre in Plattsburgh.
His film “Cliques” earned him first place in the open category, and his film “Day Dreams” earned him second overall, securing a $500 prize and trophy at the red carpet event. Jaden was also interviewed by PBS for a special that will be aired on July 11.
The festival, organized by Mountain Lake PBS, is a premier event celebrating youth filmmaking across New York, Vermont and Quebec. This year's competition featured a diverse range of genres, including documentary, narrative, thriller, and the newly introduced 60-second challenge.
Jaden’s winning entries, “Cliques” and “Day Dreams” were showcased on the big screen during the awards ceremony, impressing judges with his innovative storytelling and technical execution. The films’ success is a testament to Jaden's dedication and skill in the art of filmmaking.
Jaden has honed his filmmaking abilities through video production classes at Queensbury High School under the mentorship of Sally Vartuli. He also serves as an officer in the school's Media Production Club. This fall, he is set to begin new media classes at SUNY Adirondack, continuing his pursuit of a career in digital storytelling.
The Beyond the Peaks Film Festival not only provides a platform for young filmmakers to showcase their work, but also offers valuable opportunities for learning and growth in the field of digital storytelling.
“Jaiden’s achievements highlight the importance of such programs in nurturing the next generation of creative voices,” Vartuli said. “As Jaiden continues to develop his filmmaking skills, his success at the Beyond the Peaks Film Festival serves as an inspiration to his peers and a promising indicator of his future in the world of digital media.”
Click here to watch one of Jaiden’s featured films.