ABOUT
Harvard Divinity School Film Fest (HDSFF)

Founded in 2017, the Harvard Divinity School Film Fest (HDSFF) is an annual student-led festival dedicated to exploring the intersectionality of film and faith. Hosted on the historic Harvard Divinity School campus, the festival is a unique platform that delves into the themes of religion, faith, spirituality, and their relationships to social justice and community.

As the only film festival of its kind focused on the academic study of religion and film, HDSFF provides filmmakers and audiences with a rare opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about how religious themes are represented and understood through cinema. The festival combines academic scholarship with the immersive power of film to foster dialogue, inspire creativity, and deepen understanding.

WHEN AND WHERE
HDSFF takes place over two days each spring at the Harvard Divinity School campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The 2026 festival is scheduled for Thursday March 26 and Friday March 27.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
The festival features screenings across three categories—Student Films, Independent Films, and Studio Films—and invites filmmakers worldwide to submit their work.

Each day of the festival is thoughtfully curated:

• Day One: The festival opens with a feature film screening, accompanied by a boxed meal and a post-screening Q&A session with the filmmakers and Harvard Divinity School faculty.

• Day Two:
o Morning: Independent films are showcased.
o Noon: A studio film is screened, including a boxed meal.
o Afternoon: Student films take center stage.

Each screening is followed by an engaging Q&A session, offering a space for filmmakers, faculty, and audiences to discuss the films and their broader implications.

HDSFF is not only a space for filmmakers to showcase their work but also a year-long program of institutional support for the Harvard Divinity School community, encouraging students to create, share, and learn from films. Our vision is to increase student film submissions, audience turnout, and the integration of filmmaking into academic coursework.

For inquiries, email us at filmfest@hds.harvard.edu.

Awards & Prizes

We plan to present judge and audience awards for each category beginning in 2026!

Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Student Film

Audience Award Feature Film
Audience Award Short Film
Audience Award Student Film

Rules & Terms

CRITERIA
The festival seeks films that explore the intersectionality of film and belief, focusing on themes such as religion, faith, spirituality, social justice, and community. These themes can appear as the central story arc, one of several arcs, or through main characters. Religious and spiritual elements may range from ambiguous and implicit to explicit and overtly evident.

*** SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS ***
• You must include a Cover Letter clearly stating how your submission aligns with the festival criteria.

Your film's FilmFreeway profile must include:
• Director Biography and, if possible, a Director’s Statement.
• Film’s completion date.
• Entries in the "Student Film" category are required to show proof of matriculation.
• Entries in the "Harvard Student Film" category are required to show proof of matriculation at Harvard University.
• Studio Films must specify Studio Name in the film's Overview.

ENTRY FORMATS
1. Exhibition formats accepted: MOV, MP4, or AVI.
2. Non-English language films must include English subtitles and/or English dubbing.
3. One Category per film - selecting more than one category may disqualify the entry.

SUBMISSION PROCESS
• Entry Fee: $10 (except Harvard students)
• Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway by November 30, 2026. (Harvard student deadline is: February 15, 2026.)
• Accepted digital media must be delivered to HDSFF by February 15, 2026 (if it is not already available for download on FilmFreeway).

Adjudication
• All entries are reviewed by a pre-screening committee.
• Semifinalists are reviewed by the jury during the open call for entries.
• Finalists are determined by January 31, with ongoing selection updates in February.
• Filmmakers will be notified of acceptance via email.

Film Length Definitions
• Features: 41 minutes or longer.
• Shorts: 40 minutes or less (per Academy rules).

AGREEMENTS
By submitting, filmmakers grant HDSFF permission to screen their work during the festival and any associated tours. Excerpts may be used for promotional purposes. HDSFF may also host online screenings with selected partners, contingent on filmmakers’ approval.

PUBLICITY MATERIALS
Accepted filmmakers must provide digital materials for publicity, including:
• Black-and-white or color stills.
• Press books.
• Video clips (MPEG, YouTube, or Vimeo links).
• Posters (contact the festival for size specifications).

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY
While HDSFF aims to provide travel and accommodations for filmmakers in the future, this year attendees will participate in Q&A sessions at their own expense. Virtual participation is available for those unable to attend in person.

DISCLAIMER
HDSFF exercises all reasonable precautions in handling submissions but cannot be held responsible for damage or loss of materials. All submitted films will be previewed, and filmmakers will be notified if their files arrive damaged.

For further information, visit our website or contact us at filmfest@hds.harvard.edu.
5 Reviews
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  • Georgina Elizabeth Okon

    It was truly an honor to have my film selected and screened at the Harvard Divinity School Film Festival. The program featured a diverse range of creative, thought-provoking films that showcased incredible talent. Congratulations to all the filmmakers on a job well done—telling such amazing stories.

    I’m deeply grateful to the Harvard Divinity School Film Festival for creating such a meaningful platform for faith-based storytelling.

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • Divya p Sharma

    It's an honour to be part of this festival. Thank you so much for recognising me.

    March 2026
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  • Christin Jezak

    The Film Fest was amazing! The students and faculty involved made this a wonderful, thought-provoking, and welcoming experience. We were so grateful for the official selection of "Neighborhood Watch: Jesus and Josie are Always Watching." I loved being a part of the filmmaker panel discussion following the screening and connected with some great filmmakers.

    March 2026
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  • Alex Moreno-Novelo

    Pleased to have been part of such intensely diverse film fetsival. Thanks for the chance to screen HATCHES and to be part of a dialogue at te Harvard Divinity School, such a privilege and experience.

    April 2025
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  • Rod Sáez Chávez

    we really appreciate the opportunity to present our work in this event.

    March 2025
    Helpful