Hard Faith Fest - NYC | Two Day Event | December 4-5 2026
The theme of the second New York City Hard Faith Fest is "He Shall Reign"

This is a two day event and gathering of faithful creatives in the heart of Manhattan.
Hard Faith™ mission is "Telling Stories That Liberate"

Submissions are now open. See you in the Big Apple.

Awards & Prizes

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Prize Awards will be given in certain categories.
Additional Awards may be given out at awards ceremony at judges discretion.

Rules & Terms

Join us at Hard Faith™ An Official Non-Profit.
Welcoming honest, gritty, redemptive stories.
We are growing, changing, reflecting, and creating daily.
* You Must Attend in Person to have your submission screened but if you cannot attend it is still eligible for award consideration. *
**Please do not submit the same project to both the Hollywood Hard Faith Fest and Hard Faith Fest NYC**
11 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Mary Driscoll

    Hard Faith Film Fest is a one-of-a kind film festival. This festival focuses on writers, as well as filmmakers. Upon arrival, participants were enthusiastically welcomed. The speaker line-up was powerful and engaging. Spencer and McKenna did an outstanding and detailed job with logistics, which resulted in a very smooth and organized festival. The day exuded with inspiration as passionate filmmakers shared their stories that liberate and entertain. It is rare to find a film festival that checks all the boxes of well-written and executed movies which display cinematic excellence in method and authenticity, while emphasizing compelling, visual storytelling. Attendees were given plenty of time to network during lunch and also amid a delightful gathering nearby to conclude the festival. The location in Times Square added to the creative energy of "the city that never sleeps." Hard Faith Film Festival is a truly wonderful experience.

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for this. I really appreciate you taking the time to write it your thoughtful review, Mary!

    A lot of work went into Hard Faith Fest NYC, and it means a great deal to hear that the care, planning, and heart behind it came through. McKenna and I wanted it to be a place where writers and filmmakers were both truly valued, where the conversations mattered, and where people left encouraged to keep telling stories that liberate.

    I’m especially grateful you recognized the spirit of the day, the strength of the speakers, and the time we had to connect with each other. That kind of fellowship is a big part of why we do this. We care deeply about cinematic excellence, but also about honesty, courage, and building a real community around meaningful storytelling.

    Thank you again for being there and for helping make the festival what it was. We’re very grateful.

  • Bob Yacobucci

    Great Film Festival run by Hardfaith.

    December 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much, Bob! We love your submission and work.

  • Warren Fast

    One of the most professional, hard-working groups of people in the festival business! We had a blast at the event and are thankful to be a part of it!

    December 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much! We loved your submission. Thank you for being a part of Hard Faith Fest NYC and we look forward to seeing you at future events.

  • Robert John Rivera Jr.

    What an amazing group of people! Lots of networking! Organized well. Had a fun time!

    December 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Robert! We loved your submission and we look forward to seeing you at future Hard Faith Fest NYC events!

  • Autumn Libengood

    Absolutely one of the best film festivals out there. It’s real, authentic, and the people make you feel truly welcomed. We absolutely adore Spencer and McKenna, who pour their hearts into making this festival what it is. I highly recommend this festival. We’re deeply honored to have been a part of it and to have our film Life After recognized.

    December 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for this. We’re truly grateful you were part of Hard Faith Fest and that Life After resonated with our audience the way it did. Hearing that you felt welcomed and supported means everything to us. We’re honored to have showcased your film and hope to see more of your work in the future.