Longest running festival of its kind, the Christian Youth Film Festival encourages young people to create excellent movies filled with faith, hope, and love. The gala screening includes young filmmakers all dressed up, arriving in limos, walking the red carpet, and eating lots of popcorn. Entries include seminars, workshops, and the Exclusive VIP Backstage Dinner for young creators. Industry professionals volunteer as judges during the screening. Past judges have included: Dean Batali, Karen Covell, Jim Schmidt, Jenn Gotzon, Bobby Downes, Coleman Luck, Chuck Konzleman, Cary Solomon, Mitchell Callisch, Brenda Lorena Garcia, Jim Covell, Daniel Florin, Ashley Dakin, Connie Fleishauer, and many others.

Awards & Prizes

Accepting live-action narratives for now.
Documentaries, animation, stop-motion, and music videos might not be accepted.

Trophies
* Best Actor
* Best Actress
*Best Application of Scripture
* Best Screenplay
* Best Cinematography
* Best Art Design
* Best Visual Effects
* Best Editing
* Best Sound
* Best Original Song
* Best Director

Giant Checks (cash)
Best of College Division: Approximately $456.32*
First Place: Nearly 443.21*
Second Place: Close to 372.10*
Third Place: Around $321.90*
* Actual cash amounts subject to inflation and/or deflation and/or shrinkflation.

Additional prizes may be awarded; such as scholarships, free acting lessons, "on set" opportunities, free event admissions, etc...

Each entry receives two really cool lanyards with two awesome VIP all-access passes to all seminars, meals, and mixers with judges, directors, and producers; (value over $246.80)
Each entry also receives encouraging critique from judges; (value: Priceless!)

Rules & Terms

1. The contest is open to youth ages 12-24, with complete disregard to geographical location, race, hair, religion, creed, sex, ancestry, disabilities, DNA, or military service.
2. All movies must have begun principle production after March 3, 2024. Writing and pre-production may be earlier.
3. Talent and crew must be within the specified age bracket (it's a student movie). Supporting roles may be played by actors from outside the age brackets if necessary, but are not eligible for award consideration.
4. Minimal adult help is allowed and encouraged. This means adults may advise or demonstrate with the goal of teaching. Adults may drive, help secure equipment, or provide the pizza. Adults should strive to help kids be better filmmakers, learn new skills, and develop hidden talents. Adults should not do it for them.
5. Movies must be compatible with a Biblical Christian worldview. Content must be age-appropriate and family-friendly for screening to younger audiences.
6. Running time is limited to a maximum of 11 minutes including credits and titles.

The following documents must be uploaded with entry:
a. Director's proof of age (Driver's license, Passport, birth cert, student I.D., etc...)
b. Photo of Director (for program)
c. Copyright releases for all copyrighted music.
d. Talent releases for all actors. (Parent must sign if student is under age 18).
e. Accurate and complete credits.
f. Brief Synopsis of movie (for program)
g. Optional poster (11"x17" vertical orientation).
h. Optional behind the scenes stills and video footage.
25 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Lauren Garrison

    Absolutely above and beyond. Words cannot express how greatful I am for Joe and his ministry. This festival is a breath of fresh air for anyone who wishes to pursue a path in filmmaking. If you are a young Christian creative, you may be familiar with how difficult it is navigating the secular world. At this event, you will meet many like-minded filmmakers who can't wait to mentor you and pour into the next generation! Wisdom is more precious than rubies (Proverbs 8:11) and you will learn a lot just by meeting new people.

    Remember that you are called to be set apart and God has chosen you for a special purpose (1 Peter 2:9). If you hang onto to God's promises, He is more than faithful to fulfill them!

    - Lauren

    March 2024
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  • Isabelle Walker

    This festival was amazing! I flew in from Kansas to attend and their hospitality and communication was incredible. It was amazing to meet other youth who are interested in filmmaking. I made some connections there that have really helped. I highly recommend submitting to their festival and attending. You won't regret it!

    April 2023
    Helpful
  • Heather Hemsley

    Although I wasn’t able to attend the festival in-person, I felt welcomed by the director in our email communications. He was very quick to answer any questions I had and was encouraging of me as a young Christian filmmaker. Very impressed with the professionalism of this festival and was honored to receive two awards for my short film. I am looking forward to entering again in the near future!

    March 2023
    Helpful
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for the very kind review! It was a privilege to screen your delightful movie. Keep up the good work!

  • Amia Voluntad

    CYFF is an amazing festival! Both of my films Silence and The Reconnection were selected to be a part. As I was traveling from Hawaii to attend, there were a lot of logistics involved. The communication and hospitality was incredible, and every question I had was answered within a few days. It was such an amazing to be able to network with other young filmmakers who are just as passionate as I am about both God and filmmaking. Overall, 5 stars. I recommend this festival to any young filmmakers who are serious about their craft.

    March 2023
    Helpful
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Amia!
    Also, I received your application for the Mentor Movie Project. We'll let you know when we're ready.
    God bless you!

  • Asher Anantham

    Thank you for selecting "Vaping: A Youth Crisis"!

    March 2023
    Helpful
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Asher! Keep up the good work!