McPherson College’s documentary gets top prize for short film
“The Path to Pebble,” a documentary chronicling the incredible story of McPherson College’s decade-long journey to compete at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, won Best Documentary Short Film at the Grand Motoring Film Festival on October 31 at Hilton Head Island.
The film was released in August to coincide with this year’s Pebble Beach Concours and commemorate the college’s historic podium finish at the most prestigious car show in the world. In 2023, McPherson College’s 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S Cabriolet – restored by students in the college’s Automotive Restoration program – secured second in class at the 72nd Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The victory marks the first time in Concours history that a student-restored car has ranked in the top three in class.
Legendary television host and comedian Jay Leno narrates the film, saying, “Pebble Beach is all about turning heads. And some heads were turned that day. A student entry had never placed in this elite competition.”
In its eighth year, the Grand Motoring Film Festival is North America’s only competitive automotive film festival. This year, films from nine countries and 15 states competed for top honors in multiple juried categories. A team of McPherson College students, faculty and staff also participated in the 2024 Hilton Head Island Concours with the car, earning Best in Class.
“The Path to Pebble” can be viewed at www.mcpherson.edu/path-to-pebble.