AICFF 2026 Concludes Its First Edition, Urges Christian Creatives to Reclaim Storytelling

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The first Africa International Christian Film Festival (AICFF) wrapped up on Saturday in Abuja, urging Christian filmmakers and creatives across the continent to reclaim storytelling through excellence, identity and kingdom influence.

The four‑day event, held from June 3 to 6 at Silverbird Cinemas in Abuja’s Central Business District, assembled filmmakers, actors, producers, church leaders, distributors, media practitioners and Christian storytellers from Africa and beyond. Organizers called it a landmark gathering for faith‑based filmmaking on the continent.

With the theme “God’s Creative Army,” the festival offered film screenings, masterclasses, industry conversations, networking sessions, panel discussions and strategic engagements designed to strengthen Africa’s faith‑film ecosystem.

At the opening ceremony, AICFF Convener and Festival Director Bright Wonder Obinna Obasi urged Christian creatives to blend spiritual consecration with professional excellence in their storytelling mandate.

The ceremony also received goodwill messages from prominent figures in the global faith‑film industry, including Alex and Stephen Kendrick of Kendrick Brothers Films, Paul Sirmons, President of International Christian Visual Media (ICVM), Phillip Telpher, Founder of the Christian Worldview Film Festival, and Tim Shields, President of CONTENT Media Conference.

Renowned gospel filmmaker Mike Bamiloye delivered a keynote on “Identity and Kingdom Storytelling,” while Dr. Felix Oisamoje, Regional Director of Christian Broadcast Network (CBN), spoke on the festival’s theme.

Teniola Zara King presented on the state of faith‑based filmmaking in Africa on behalf of Kunle Falodun, Co‑Founder and CEO of A House of Faith.

The festival opened with a screening of “Where The River Divides,” followed by a panel titled “The Church and Culture: Reclaiming Storytelling for the Kingdom,” featuring Rex Nwakamma, Matrid Nwanja Nyagah, Jennifer Keltner, Teniola Zara King and Bright Wonder Obinna Obasi.

The second and third days focused on film screenings, acting and filmmaking masterclasses, business sessions and discussions on distribution opportunities and revenue generation within the faith‑film industry.

Key sessions explored how to create faith‑based films that resonate with wider audiences, understand distributor expectations, build sustainable business models for Christian films, and position African faith‑based productions for global audiences.

Industry leaders Moses Babatope, Chris Odeh, Joshua Carpenter, Kunle Falodun, Hakeem Kae‑Kazim Condotti, Rex Nwakamma and Bright Wonder Obinna Obasi were among the speakers and panelists who shared insights with participants.

The final day highlighted collaboration and the future of Christian storytelling in Africa. A Co‑Production Mixer facilitated partnerships among filmmakers, while a dedicated session for church drama, film and media departments explored ways churches can embrace excellence in storytelling ministry and strengthen collaboration across denominations.

One of the festival’s highlights was the AICFF Pitch‑A‑Thon, where six shortlisted screenwriters presented their projects to industry stakeholders. Tomisin Faoye won, receiving a cash prize of N250,000, mentorship through Gospel Cinema International, and a development opportunity under the First Features Project led by veteran filmmaker Steve Gukas.

Organizers also announced six finalists from the Africa Gospel Film Project (AGFP) who will join a mentorship programme with Kingdom Story Company, the producers behind acclaimed faith‑based films such as Unsung Hero, Jesus Revolution and I Can Only Imagine.

The selected participants are Joshua Adeyi, Ayomide Aina, Phillip Oyeleye, Olayinka Ayinde, Temidayo Ayodele and Miracle Ebute.

Throughout the festival, speakers repeatedly stressed the need for Christian creatives to embrace their identity while pursuing excellence as both a spiritual responsibility and an industry requirement.

The event concluded with the AICFF Awards 2026, which honored outstanding achievements in faith‑based filmmaking.

“Where The River Divides” dominated the night, winning awards for Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Directing, Best Music/Soundtrack, Best Evangelical Film and Overall Best Film.

Other winners included “In Custody” for Best Short Film, “Forgiving The Nightmare” for Best Editing and Best Foreign Film, “Lavender Hills” for Best Documentary, Gadwill Odhiabo Dennis for Best Male Actor for his role in “Where The River Divides,” and Faith Ohuoba, who won Best Female Actor for her performance in “Confidence.”

As the inaugural edition closed, participants expressed optimism that Africa’s faith‑based film movement is entering a new phase of growth and global relevance.

Organizers said preparations have already begun for a larger and more impactful edition in 2027, as AICFF continues its mission of promoting Christian and values‑driven storytelling while creating pathways for African faith‑based films to reach international audiences.