biography

KURTIS DAVID HARDER is an award-winning filmmaker, writer, and producer whose acclaimed thriller INFLUENCERS hits theaters in 2025. The follow-up to his viral social-media horror INFLUENCER, the film cements Harder as one of the most compelling new voices in genre cinema. Harder made his directorial debut with INCONTROL, a sleek sci-fi thriller exploring digital dependence, before breaking out with SPIRAL, a haunting suburban nightmare about paranoia, prejudice, and the dangers of conformity. Premiering to rave reviews, SPIRAL established Harder’s signature blend of psychological tension and social commentary. He followed it with INFLUENCER—a chilling, sun-drenched thriller about identity and deception in the age of online validation—which became a festival hit and a breakout success on Shudder. INFLUENCER went on to top Best Horror Films of 2023 lists from Variety, Slash, and Rotten Tomatoes, solidifying Harder’s reputation as a standout genre filmmaker with a distinct modern voice. As a producer, Harder’s credits include celebrated indie genre favorites such as WHAT KEEPS YOU ALIVE, HARPOON, and V/H/S/94, collaborating with a new wave of Canadian filmmakers redefining modern horror. His films have screened at top festivals including SXSW, Fantastic, Fantasia, FrightFest, and Sitges, earning praise for their visual precision, emotional intelligence, and cutting insight into the digital age. A multi-hyphenate storyteller, Harder continues to push the boundaries of independent cinema—crafting sharp, character-driven thrillers that hold a mirror to the modern world.