Faith can be a source of strength, but what happens when the beliefs that once provided comfort are shaken by experiences that refuse to remain in the past?

That question forms the foundation of At the Mercy of Faith, a 23-minute, 34-second short film directed by Andrew Arguello and named an official finalist for the 2026 Peachtree Village International Film Festival (PVIFF).

Produced by Samuel Lee Taylor and Ly Taylor, the film follows a devout young preacher whose faith is shattered by a traumatic childhood tragedy. Years later, his efforts to rebuild his life are threatened by disturbing visions, supernatural warnings, and the return of unresolved guilt.

The production joins the PVIFF finalist lineup ahead of the festival’s Nov. 5-8 gathering in Atlanta, where independent filmmakers will compete for recognition through professional judging and audience participation.

When Faith Meets the Shadows of the Past

At the center of At the Mercy of Faith is a man whose spiritual foundation was fundamentally altered by tragedy.

As a young preacher, he once found direction through his faith. But a devastating childhood experience leaves him carrying emotional wounds that continue to shape his adult life.

Determined to move forward, he attempts to establish a new sense of stability. Yet the past proves difficult to escape.

Haunting visions and seemingly supernatural warnings begin intruding upon his present, forcing him to confront painful memories and feelings of guilt that have remained unresolved.

As the disturbances intensify, the stakes extend beyond his personal struggle. His family becomes increasingly vulnerable to the consequences of a past he has never fully confronted.

The film’s premise draws tension from the relationship between spiritual belief and psychological distress, using supernatural elements to explore questions of forgiveness, accountability and the lasting influence of childhood trauma.

Rather than positioning faith and fear as opposing forces, the story brings them into the same emotional landscape, where the central character must determine whether confronting his past offers a path toward protecting those he loves.

A Supernatural Story Grounded in Human Conflict

While supernatural warnings and haunting imagery help shape the film’s narrative, At the Mercy of Faith also centers on recognizable human concerns.

The burden of guilt, the difficulty of recovering from traumatic experiences and the responsibility of protecting one’s family provide the emotional foundation for the story.

Its central conflict raises questions about the consequences of unresolved pain and the complicated relationship between personal belief and emotional healing.

The premise also offers an exploration of how experiences from childhood can continue influencing adult relationships, decisions and perceptions of safety.

Through its combination of spiritual themes and supernatural suspense, the production approaches familiar questions about redemption and reconciliation from a darker storytelling perspective.

Meet the Filmmakers and Cast

Andrew Arguello directs At the Mercy of Faith, with Samuel Lee Taylor and Ly Taylor serving as producers.

The ensemble cast features David Gamble Jr., Dan Morrison, Ivan Woods, Gregory Klino, Sandra Dee Richardson, Kenneth Anglemire, Amaya Chapman, Quintin Vassel, Nick Josten and Krystal Lynn.

With a runtime of 23 minutes and 34 seconds, the film uses the short-film format to explore a story involving faith, trauma, supernatural encounters and family relationships.

Its selection as a PVIFF finalist places the project among the independent productions recognized for the festival’s 2026 competition.

PVIFF Finalists Compete Through Judging and Audience Engagement

The 2026 Peachtree Village International Film Festival is incorporating professional judging and audience participation into its finalist evaluation process.

Under the festival’s announced scoring structure, 70% of each finalist’s overall competition score will come from evaluations by judges representing PVIFF and JaroGO. The remaining 30% will be determined by audience engagement through the JaroGO streaming platform.

Participating finalist films will be available on JaroGO during a limited competition viewing period, giving audiences an opportunity to watch, rate and comment on the selected productions.

The initiative is designed to provide independent filmmakers with additional visibility while extending the festival experience beyond traditional theatrical screenings.

JaroGO is available on iOS and Android in the United States and Canada.

About the 2026 Peachtree Village International Film Festival

Founded in 2005, the Peachtree Village International Film Festival has developed into a platform connecting independent filmmakers, actors, producers, writers and entertainment professionals with audiences and industry opportunities.

Operating under its guiding philosophy, “It Takes a Village,” PVIFF combines film screenings and awards with professional development opportunities, industry panels, masterclasses and networking experiences.

The 2026 festival will take place Nov. 5-8 in Atlanta, Georgia, continuing its commitment to supporting independent voices and expanding access within the entertainment industry.

At the Mercy of Faith enters this year’s competition as an official finalist, with award results to be determined through the festival’s judging and audience-engagement process.

For additional information about PVIFF 2026, visit https://www.pviffatl.com/.

Film at a Glance

Title: At the Mercy of Faith

Director: Andrew Arguello

Producers: Samuel Lee Taylor, Ly Taylor

Cast: David Gamble Jr., Dan Morrison, Ivan Woods, Gregory Klino, Sandra Dee Richardson, Kenneth Anglemire, Amaya Chapman, Quintin Vassel, Nick Josten, Krystal Lynn

Runtime: 23 minutes, 34 seconds

Festival Status: Official Finalist — PVIFF 2026

Festival Dates: Nov. 5-8, 2026

Festival Location: Atlanta, Georgia