Hard Faith Fest 2025 Wrap Up

Spencer Folmar
Aug 2
2 min read

A Bold Gathering of Faith and Storytelling in Hollywood

Held from July 17–19, 2025, at the Eastwood Performing Arts Center in Hollywood, California, Hard Faith Fest returned for its third annual run—not just as a film festival but as a vibrant movement celebrating the complexities of faith through bold storytelling . Positioned at the intersection of gritty realism and spiritual honesty, the festival aligns with Hard Faith theology: narratives rooted in imperfect lives, doubt, suffering, and redemption .

Curated Films & PitchFest Energy

Attendees experienced over 50 fearless films across genres, alongside a live PitchFest where emerging creatives pitched projects to seasoned judges and peers . The festival also featured workshops, red‑carpet awards, panels, and community events, blending cinematic craft with spiritual reflection.

Community, Communication, and Connection

Festival reviews underscore its welcoming atmosphere: filmmakers praised the exceptional communication and organization, and described the experience as “friendly and engaging” . One filmmaker shared:

“The atmosphere … felt like being welcomed into a big family,” and said the panels and Q&A sessions were deeply inspiring .

Another remarked that the festival “will change the world,” highlighting its impact beyond just screenings .

A Place of Honest Faith & Artistic Integrity

True to the festival’s ethos, Hard Faith emphasizes storytelling that acknowledges life’s harsh realities while offering hope without glossing over struggle . The review authors appreciated how films explored faith amid pain, contradiction, and uncertainty—without sacrificing depth or artistic integrity.

A Vision Emerging in Hollywood

In sum, Hard Faith Fest 2025 cemented itself as a space for authentic Christian storytelling that embraces life’s brokenness—not in spite of faith, but through it. Whether through films, musical performances, or PitchFest dialogues, attendees left inspired spiritually, creatively, and communally. As the festival gears up for its next chapter (set for July 16–19, 2026), it leaves behind a legacy of meaningful connections, impactful art, and unwavering hope rooted in truth.