Churches Making Movies Christian Film Festival

In its eighth year, Churches Making Movies is a multi-day, l event designed to showcase thought- provoking, entertaining films that inspire generations. We screen the best faith-based, culture- impacting films in the world. The festival schedule includes film screenings, question and answer sessions with filmmakers, workshops conducted by world-renowned professionals and our Annual Red Carpet Event. We seek faith-based dramas, thrillers, comedies, television pilots, and documentaries. Submit your film today!

Come celebrate our 8th anniversary with us at the 2020 Churches Making Movies Christian Film Festival at Fellowship Deaconry Christian Retreat Center in Basking Ridge, New Jersey.

You'll see some of the most intriguing feature films, thought provoking documentaries, and brand new pilots for TV and the Web.

You'll participate in informative seminars to help you propel your filmmaking career to the next level. Past seminar leaders included:

Sean Paul Murphy, screenwriter Sarah's Choice, The Encounter, and Brother White
Dallas Jenkins, director of the upcoming theatrically released film, The Resurrection of Gavin Stone
Isaac Hernandez, VP Parables TV
Bill Carroll, Production Development Manager
Austen Williams, Mrs. America 2014
Pastor Leigh Gonzalez, Hope Center Arts
Doc Benson, Director
and many more............

And, you don't to want to miss our Annual Red Carpet Event where festival goers mingle with celebrities and see a World Premiere Film.

In addition, this year, we will host a pilots showcase for episodic content including web series. Pilots are not required to be produced by a church or Christian organization; however, they must clean and family friendly.

See CATEGORIES and RULES AND TERMS for more information.

Best Picture
Best Short
Best Director
Best Screenplay
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Documentary
Best Pilot
Music Video

FEATURE FILMS
Features and documentaries must not have been made prior to 2015.

Feature films must be written, or directed, or produced in whole or in part by a media ministry, church, pastor, or Christian non-profit. Each year, we also screen Special Presentations (non church-produced feature films.)

We also accept feature films about church life that are not produced by media ministries.

Shorts and documentaries need not be produced by a media ministry, church or Christian non-profit, but they must explore Christian themes and ideals.

PILOTS
TV or Web Pilots must be family friendly, but are not required to be produced by a church or Christian organization.

No film or pilot may be withdrawn from the program after its selection.

MUSIC VIDEOS
Videos must MUST be a Christian; however, we accept all genres.

SCREENPLAYS
Screenplays should explore Christian themes. The writers of the TOP FIVE scripts are eligible to participate in a Screenwriters Bootcamp during the festival led by master screenwriter Sean Paul Murphy.

Films accepted before June 1, 2020 are eligible to be included in the festival promo trailer.

Overall Rating

Quality

Value

Communication

Hospitality

Networking

Justin Johnson

Was honored to be a part of this festival a few years back. Great mission... wonderful people. Was an amazing experience.

March 2020

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Brandon Glover

One of the best Faith-based festivals in the nation!

March 2020

Helpful

Response from festival:

We strive for that! Thanks Brandon!
Brian FINN

CMM was an amazing experience primarily due to the networking and friends that I met due to their design of the events and workshops.

November 2019

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Response from festival:

Brian, we are so pleased that you found the networking so beneficial. You were a delight to have at the festival and we wish you continued success.
John Martins III

My deep appreciation to LaVonne McIver James for her leadership, vision, and hard work in making the Churches Making Movies Christian Film Festival the success that it is. My apology for not being able to attend, due to a family health crisis. Thank you VERY MUCH for your understanding in all of that, Ms. McIver James. And thank you for honoring "Arizona Sunrise" and "Trial by Trial" as two of your top-5 finalists in your screenwriting competition. Continued success!

October 2019

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Xavier Garcia

Churches Making Movies Christian Film Festival (CMMCFF) met and exceeded our expectations. Though professional from start-to-finish, CMMCFF epitomized an intimate, family feel as all the attending artists (actors, directors, writers, etc.) came together to view and support each other's works. We all ate together, prayed together, and watched each other's films in a comfortable environment. The Awards Ceremony was memorable, as was the entire weekend. We all created new relationships and networking connections that will no-doubt be fruitful in the future. Leaving CMMCFF was like saying goodbye to family . . . but, we all knew we'd see each other, again. Bravo!! 👏👏👏

October 2019

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Response from festival:

Xavier, we were so honored to screen Blood Throne. Year after year, you and your team produce amazing films. Keep up the excellence. May the Lord continue to bless your work.
Cheers, until next year.