S3 - Ep6: Autumn Libengood "Authenticity Over G-Rating"

What does it mean to follow Jesus while pursuing a creative calling in one of the busiest cities in the world? And how do we hold on to faith when life takes us through seasons of depression, uncertainty, and struggle? In this episode of the Hard Faith Podcast, host Spencer Folmar sits down with filmmaker, writer, and producer Robert John Rivera Jr., creator and showrunner of The Chosen Ones, a faith-based superhero series inspired by the storytelling and pop culture of the 1990s and early 2000s. Born and raised in New York City, Robert shares his passion for bringing faith, culture, and storytelling together to create meaningful conversations about Jesus. As the NYC Chapter Director of the Hollywood Prayer Network and founder of the New York Christian Media Community, Robert is helping build connections among Christian artists and entertainment professionals throughout the city. Robert also opens up about one of the most difficult chapters of his life: his personal battle with depression. He reflects on how his relationship with Jesus sustained him through that season, what he learned about trusting God when healing doesn't come immediately, and why Christians shouldn't be afraid to talk honestly about mental health. Spencer and Robert also discuss the challenges of independent filmmaking, the development of The Chosen Ones, the importance of Christian community in the entertainment industry, and Robert's experience at Hard Faith Fest NYC, where his project received an award. Through it all, Robert reminds us that faith doesn't mean life will be easy, but that God remains present even in our darkest moments. At Hard Faith, we believe life is hard, and God is good. Connect with Robert John Rivera Jr.: Facebook: Robert John Rivera Jr.Instagram: @robertjohnrivera.jrProduction Company: @robertjohnmediaproductionsThe Chosen Ones: https://www.thechosenonestvseries.com/ Learn More About Hard Faith: Website: https://hardfaith.org Join us for Hard Faith Fest NYC, December 4–5, 2026, as we continue bringing together filmmakers, artists, and audiences who believe in the power of storytelling to inspire hope and meaningful conversations about faith.

Hard Faith Podcast: Season 4 - Episode 7"Recapping Wrapping the Trilogy with Spencer & McKenna" Spencer and McKenna Folmar sit down just two weeks after wrapping the Suicide Prevention Trilogy to look back on one of the most ambitious seasons in Hard Faith history: three feature films made in a single year, including two films shot back-to-back in just five weeks. They share the story behind The Days Are Evil, God Is Beautiful, and REST—from an idea Spencer carried for nearly 15 years to a trilogy exploring suicide, grief, depression, faith, family, and hope from three different perspectives. They also talk candidly about the emotional weight of the material, the prayer and support that surrounded the production, and their hope that these films will reach people who desperately need to know that their lives matter. Along the way, Spencer and McKenna take listeners behind the scenes of an extraordinary production: long days and sleepless nights, a cast and crew that became a family, community members opening their homes and businesses, McKenna feeding as many as 30–50 people while also producing and working on set, and countless people stepping outside their job descriptions to make the films possible. Now that all three films are finally in the can, Spencer and McKenna reflect on what it took to get there, the people who carried the mission alongside them, and what comes next for the Suicide Prevention Trilogy and Hard Faith.

Hard Faith Podcast: Season 4 - Episode 6 Marty Richards "Nickel on the Grass" 9/11 Best Screenplay at Hard Faith Fest NYC 2025 In Episode 6 of the Hard Faith Podcast, Spencer Folmar sits down with screenwriter and veteran fighter pilot Marty Richards, winner of Best Screenplay at Hard Faith Fest NYC 2025 for his first screenplay, Nickel on the Grass. Marty shares the remarkable true story behind the screenplay. On September 11, 2001, he was both a United Airlines pilot and an F-15 pilot in the Massachusetts Air National Guard. What began as a routine training mission became a scramble into the skies during the terrorist attacks. Marty ultimately spent hours over New York City helping intercept aircraft and stabilize American airspace. But his story is as much about what happened after September 11 as what happened that day. Marty opens up about the lasting toll of the experience, his struggle to understand and process what he had lived through, and how faith, family, surrender, and eventually writing helped lead him toward healing. His screenplay grew out of that journey and his participation in the Writers Guild Foundation’s Veterans Writing Project. Twenty-five years after 9/11, Marty offers a deeply personal perspective on service, trauma, storytelling, and the importance of asking for help. It is a conversation about what happens when a warrior discovers that sometimes the hardest act isn’t fighting—it’s surrendering what you cannot control and trusting God with what comes next. www.HardFaith.org

Season 4, Episode 5: Peter Iengo — Turning Grief into Purpose Through Faith and Film at Hard Faith Fest NYC Award-winning filmmaker Peter Iengo joins the Hard Faith Podcast to share the deeply personal story behind his feature film One More Time, winner of Best Feature Film at the inaugural Hard Faith Film Festival NYC. Inspired by the loss of his father during the COVID-19 pandemic, Peter opens up about his journey through grief, how the GriefShare ministry helped restore his faith, and why he chose to transform his pain into a film that offers hope to others. In this moving conversation, Peter reflects on more than two decades in filmmaking, from winning a Student Emmy and screening films at international festivals to teaching the next generation of filmmakers. He shares how his experiences with loss reshaped not only his personal faith, but also the direction of his career, leading him to create stories centered on grief, healing, and the power of Christ. Together, Spencer and Peter discuss the importance of authentic storytelling, the healing process that comes through creating art, and why Christians should not shy away from difficult conversations about suffering. Peter also explains how GriefShare welcomes people from every background and denomination, offering practical encouragement for anyone walking through loss. If you’ve experienced grief, wondered how faith intersects with suffering, or believe stories can change lives, this episode is an honest and hope-filled conversation you won’t want to miss. Submit and attend Hard Faith Fest NYC at www.HardFaithFest.com

Hard Faith Fest LA Year Four — Official Selections & Nominations Announcement In this episode of the Hard Faith Podcast, Spencer and McKenna Folmar give a full update on everything happening with Hard Faith, including the recent wrap of their newest feature film, The Days Are Evil, and the upcoming fourth annual Hard Faith Fest LA, taking place June 25–28, 2026 at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena, California. Spencer opens the episode by sharing that The Days Are Evil has officially wrapped production after a demanding but deeply meaningful shoot in Central Pennsylvania. The film is the first installment in the upcoming Suicide Trilogy, with the same core cast continuing into the next two films. Spencer and McKenna reflect on the strength of the cast and crew, the emotional weight of the material, and the grace they felt throughout production. Spencer also shares that he has already begun editing and is excited about how the film is coming together. The conversation then turns to Hard Faith Fest LA Year Four, which will be the largest Hard Faith Fest yet. This year marks the festival’s first four-day event, hosted by Lake Avenue Church, a venue Spencer and McKenna describe as beautiful, gracious, and ideal for the growing festival. They discuss the move to Pasadena, the convenience of nearby hotel room blocks, the walkability of the area, and the ability for guests to fly into Burbank as an easier alternative to LAX. Spencer and McKenna emphasize that Hard Faith Fest is not simply a screening event, but a true gathering place for Christian artists, filmmakers, writers, actors, producers, and industry professionals who are trying to tell honest, redemptive stories. The festival will include screenings, screenplay presentations, panels, workshops, live musical performances, the Pitch Fest, afterparties, Sunday worship at Lake Avenue Church, and a closing time of prayer and encouragement. This year’s festival theme is “Do Not Fear.” Spencer explains that the theme feels especially fitting for Christian artists who are called to create courageously, even when the path is uncertain. The episode frames the festival as a place of encouragement, community, and faith-driven creative boldness. The heart of the episode is the official announcement of the Hard Faith Fest LA official selections and category nominations. The festival received its strongest and most competitive submissions yet, with hundreds of entries and more than fifty projects being screened or presented across the festival. The official selections include: Screenplays:At the Mercy of Faith, Blood or Communion, The Deplorable, Finding Hallie, Harvest Skies, Henry’s House, Indentured, Lower Than Angels, One Simple Thing, Paging Faith, The Portrait, Seasons Change, There Will Come a Day, Until We Climb, and Wonder Horse. Short Films:Beyond the Shadows, The Conversation, Convicted, Defender, Died Twice, ECCE HOMO, The King and The Maiden, Onesimus, Satisfied in You (Psalm 42), and To Philemon. Feature Films:Elijah Peel, The Hail Mary, Illusion of Faith, Jim vs the Future, Learning You, Miracle on the Precipice, The One, and Problem Attic. Student Films:Altar, And, Light, Life and Death, Mourning Dove, Palette of Dreams, SOLO DEUS, Shelter of the Reeds, and Then I Heard. Documentary Features:I Can Finally Breathe, Light of Cappadocia: Saints Arsenios & Paisios, MEARS: How One Woman Changed American Christianity, RESCUED - A Story of Redemption and Hope, and To The Ends. Documentary Shorts:In the Shadow of Grace, Jordan: Blessing Arab, The Missionary, The Potter, and The Farthest We Fall. The episode also announces selections in Best Original Song, Episodic / Television, and Animation, along with nominations for acting, directing, producing, writing, cinematography, editing, visual effects, costume design, makeup, casting, international film, composer, trailer, and additional festival awards. Spencer and McKenna close by congratulating all official selection