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 receive 2 VIP badges for admission to all seminars, workshops, and the Exclusive VIP Backstage Dinner for young creators. Industry professionals volunteer as judges during the screening. Past judges have included: Erin Miracle, Nicole Baer, Dean Batali, Karen Covell, Jim Schmidt, Jenn Gotzon, Bobby Downes, Coleman Luck, Chuck Konzleman, Cary Solomon, Brad Silverman, Erika Toraya, Dale Oprandy, Mitchell Callisch, Brenda Lorena Garcia, Daniel Florin, Ashley Dakin, Connie Fleishauer, and many others.

We also hold FILM CAMPS two or three times per year. More information on our website.

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 Integration of the Biblical Worldview
* Best Screenplay
* Best Cinematography
* Best Production Value
* Best Visual Effects
* Best Editing
* Best Sound
* Best Original Music
* Best Director
* Best Poster

Giant Checks (cash)
Best of College Division: Approximately $864.20*
Best of Teen Division First Place: Nearly 854.20*
Second Place: Close to 678.91*
Third Place: Around $567.89*
* Giant checks do not fit in the ATM; don't even try. 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, memorabilia, 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 $149.79)
Each entry also receives encouraging critique from judges; (value: Priceless!)

Rules & Terms

We only accept live-action narratives; for now. Documentaries, animation, stop-motion, and music videos will need to try another festival.

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 any other divisive label.
2. All movies must have begun principle production after March 8, 2026. Writing and pre-production may be earlier.
3. Talent and crew must be within the specified age bracket; (Teen Division 12-18 and College Division 18-24). A minimal number of supporting roles; (cast or crew), may be from outside the age brackets 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 12 minutes including credits and titles.

The following documents must be provided 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 actor 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.
33 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Rori Basta

    An amazing experience. Thank you for hosting this event.

    April 2026
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  • Adriana Lucia Guevara

    Could not attend in person, but it was a lovely event to watch online! The staff was super sweet and really cared about your films!

    April 2026
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  • JJ Pennings

    I really enjoyed this film festival! Going in person really changed my experience from last year of watching it live online. The thing I enjoyed most was connecting with the judges. I left feeling special and inspired to make a better movie next year.

    March 2026
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  • Cheryl Sheedy

    Fantastic! This was our first year attending, and it was my (teen) daughter's first year with a film being screened at the festival. Great job to everyone involved. She was definitely inspired to continue film-making!

    March 2026
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  • Eden Taber

    This was my first year participating in the festival, and it was such an amazing experience!! Joe Brown has done a spectacular job creating the dream - come - true feel of the festival. I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to attend and meet so many wonderful, experienced, Christian filmmakers.

    March 2026
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