The Shungu Namutitima (Smoke that Thunders) Christian Film Festival (SN CFF) is a faith-based creative initiative that seeks to celebrate, nurture, and promote Christian storytelling through film. Inspired by Shungu Namutitima, the Leya name for the Victoria Falls, the festival draws symbolism from the power, beauty, and awe of God’s creation, reflecting how film, when rooted in Christ, can thunder with truth and inspire transformation.
Organized jointly by Vilole Images Productions (VIP) and David Livingstone Memorial Presbyterian Church (DLMPC), the inaugural festival will be held from 01st to 09th May 2026 in Livingstone, Zambia. The festival provides a unique platform where faith, creativity, and excellence converge, bringing together filmmakers, churches, creatives, students, and audiences to engage with films that reflect Christian values, biblical truth, and moral integrity.
In a world increasingly shaped by visual media, the festival recognizes film as a powerful tool for evangelism, discipleship, cultural engagement, and social impact. The Shungu Namutitima Christian Film Festival aims to position Christian filmmaking as a vital ministry and creative industry that speaks to contemporary challenges while remaining firmly grounded in faith.
Designed to celebrate girl-led innovation, Christian values, digital storytelling, and advocacy for justice and healing the festival will honor and award deserving humanitarians, filmmakers, film supporters and productions with human rights themes produced between 2020 and 2025.
1. Best Faith-Inspired Film
Celebrating a powerful film that reflects Christian values, hope, justice, and redemption.
2. Best Girl-Led Film
Honoring a film directed, written, or produced by a girl or group of girls addressing child protection, innovation, or empowerment.
3. Digital Daughters Award
Recognizing a short film or multimedia project that creatively uses digital tools to raise awareness about child sexual abuse or promote safety.
4. Justice and Morality Award
For a film that boldly addresses social injustice through a moral and faith-based lens.
5. Best Film for Healing and Restoration
Acknowledging stories that focus on recovery, forgiveness, healing, and spiritual growth after abuse or trauma.
Special Recognition Awards
6. Emerging Christian Filmmaker (Under 18)
Honoring a young girl's outstanding debut or contribution in Christian film.
7. Most Impactful True Story
Awarded to a film that courageously tells a real-life account of abuse, survival, and transformation.
8. Best Use of Technology in Storytelling
Recognizing innovative use of mobile phones, editing software, animation, or digital platforms by girls.
9. Audience Choice Award
Voted by festival attendees and online viewers.
10. Faith & Advocacy Trailblazer Award
Given to a girl or youth leader using digital advocacy or storytelling to influence community change.
Technical and Creative Awards
11. Best Screenplay
For outstanding writing that reflects strong moral storytelling and narrative structure.
12. Best Cinematography
Celebrating exceptional visual storytelling and emotional depth.
13. Best Performance (Acting)
For a powerful and authentic performance by a girl or young woman.
14. Best Animation or Experimental Film
Recognizing creativity beyond traditional formats, especially for youth using limited resources.
15. Best Music/Score in a Faith-Based Film
Celebrating original music that enhances spiritual and emotional impact
16. Best Zambian Feature Film
17. Best African Documentary Film
18. Best Zambian Short Film
