Entertainment

International Christian Film Festival Exceeds Expectations

Orlando- The International Christian Film Festival last week was a rousing success and exceeded the expectations of it’s attendees. The film festival, celebrating it’s 5th year, is now the largest Christian film festival in the world. The event drew over 2,500 attendees and received over 500 films for contention. During the festival, over 165 projects were screened, along with seminars on Acting, Production, and even Finance. They also held a 2-day casting session, gave idea pitching opportunities and much more.

The big winner of the night was the film “Meanest Man in Texas”, which took home both the Best Feature Film award as as actor Mateus Ward winning the Best Lead Actor in a Feature Film award for the same film. The feature film “Painted Horses” too home two awards as Madelyn Deutch won for Best Lead Actress in a Feature Film and Kurt Krause won for Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film.

The Film “Charlie’s Gift” took home the Best Short Film award and also Actress Jen Gotzon and Richard Swingle won Best Lead Actress and Lead Actor in a Short Film awards.

In one of the most touching moments of the night Director/ Producer Frank Panico escorted handicapped star Raymond Battle to the stage to accept the Most Inspirational Documentary Film award for “My Friend Raymond”. Raymond struggled to walk to the stage, but he touched everyone’s hearts as he praised God from the podium and blessed everyone in the audience.

Christian film industry notable David A. R. White (God’s Not Dead, President of Pure Flix) was awarded the International Christian Film Lifetime Achievement award and notable attendees were TC Stallings from (War Room) and Jenn Gotzon (Frost/Nixon, God’s Country). Beverly Holloway was honored with the Outstanding Woman in Film Award, and Businessman/ Philanthropist John Paul Dejoria’s film “Good Fortune” took home the David Hoenig Humanitarian Award,.

Other notable winners include “The Battle For Brandon” taking the Best Documentary award, “Warrior” by Delois Massey won Best Music Video, “Secrets of the Black Forest” by Dale Norman Green took Best Script honors.

The 2017 festival culminated what an electric red carpet followed by an elegant awards show that many have now dubbed “The Christian Film Oscars”, giving honor to those who seldom receive recognition because of being in the faith based film genre.

“Probably the best festival I have been to, very well organized, lots of events, hundreds of people and a great ceremony.” commented one attendee.

The festival is already receiving submissions for 2018, so be sure to submit your project today to be eligible.

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