Meet Spencer Folmar

We recently connected with Spencer Folmar and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Spencer , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience as a filmmaker is deeply rooted in my faith and my unwavering belief that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth. The film industry is not for the faint of heart—it’s a relentless, often unforgiving field where setbacks and rejections are the norms. But for me, resilience isn’t just about enduring; it’s about thriving in the face of adversity. It’s about finding strength in my faith, which serves as both a foundation and a guide, reminding me that the work I do has a purpose beyond just entertainment.

I believe that the stories I tell are a reflection of the human condition, and they deserve to be told with authenticity and passion. This industry demands resilience because the path to success is rarely straightforward. It’s filled with moments of doubt, criticism, and obstacles that can easily derail your journey. But it’s in those moments that my faith anchors me, giving me the courage to keep pushing forward.

Resilience, to me, is the key to success in filmmaking. It’s what allows me to keep going when the odds seem insurmountable, to continue refining my craft even in the face of rejection, and to maintain my vision when others might waver. It’s about trusting that every step, no matter how difficult, is leading me closer to creating something truly meaningful. And it’s that belief, that inner drive fueled by both faith and passion, that keeps me resilient in the ever-challenging world of filmmaking.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

‘ve been fortunate to receive significant press exposure over the years, particularly with the release of my film Generational Sins. This project was a turning point in my career, as it dealt with deeply personal and controversial themes, sparking a lot of conversation and media attention. The film’s raw and unflinching approach to the complexities of faith and family dynamics resonated with many, and it opened doors for me to discuss the importance of tackling difficult subjects in film.

Generational Sins set the tone for the kind of stories I’m passionate about telling—stories that aren’t afraid to dive into the messiness of life and explore the gray areas of morality and belief. The exposure from that project has allowed me to connect with a wider audience and collaborate with other creatives who share a similar vision.

Through Hard Faith Films, I continue to build on that momentum, producing content that challenges and engages viewers. The press exposure has been instrumental in amplifying the message of Hard Faith Films and bringing attention to the unique stories we strive to tell. My goal is to keep pushing the envelope with each new project, using the platform I’ve built to shed light on the issues that matter most.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, I’d say the three most important qualities or skills that have had the greatest impact are resilience, a strong sense of purpose, and the ability to tell a compelling story.

Resilience is crucial in the film industry. There will be countless setbacks, rejections, and obstacles along the way. But it’s how you respond to those challenges that defines your path. For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace failure as part of the process. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. The more resilient you are, the more likely you are to succeed in the long run.

A strong sense of purpose is what keeps you grounded and focused, especially when things get tough. Knowing why you’re doing what you’re doing—whether it’s a deep passion for storytelling, a desire to spark conversation, or a commitment to a particular cause—will help you stay on course. For those just starting out, I’d recommend spending time really understanding what drives you. Let that purpose guide your decisions and keep you motivated.

Storytelling ability is, of course, at the heart of filmmaking. No matter how technically proficient you are, if you can’t tell a compelling story, your work won’t resonate with audiences. To develop this skill, immerse yourself in stories—read widely, watch films critically, and practice writing your own narratives. Pay attention to what makes a story engaging and emotionally impactful, and strive to bring that into your own work.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to be patient with yourself as you develop these qualities. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on building resilience, grounding yourself in your purpose, and honing your storytelling craft, and you’ll find your path in this challenging yet incredibly rewarding industry.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

How to Win Friends and Influence People has been instrumental in shaping the way I approach relationships, both in my personal life and in the industry. Filmmaking is a collaborative process, and understanding how to connect with people, build trust, and communicate effectively is crucial. This book taught me the importance of empathy, active listening, and the power of positive relationships, all of which have been invaluable in navigating the complexities of the film world.

The Bible, on the other hand, has been a guiding light in my life, influencing not just my faith but also the way I approach storytelling. Its teachings on morality, redemption, and the human experience have deeply informed the themes I explore in my films. The Bible’s impact on my work is evident in the stories I choose to tell—stories that often grapple with questions of faith, purpose, and the struggle between good and evil.

Together, these books have shaped my perspective as a filmmaker, helping me to craft narratives that are not only compelling but also meaningful. They remind me of the importance of staying true to my values and the power of storytelling to connect with others on a deeper level.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.SpencerFolmar.com and www.HardFaith.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spencerfolmar
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spencerfolmar
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerfolmar/
• Twitter: https://x.com/SpencerFolmar
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/spencetf

Image Credits

Hard Faith © 2024