A new Christian film festival is preparing to launch in Nigeria this December, and independent filmmakers still have a few days to get their work considered for its first edition.
The Christian Faith International Film Festival Nigeria (CFIF) will take place in Lagos on December 18 and 19, with submissions open until October 25. The organisers are accepting films from around the world, including narrative features, shorts, documentaries, animation and experimental work exploring Christian faith, human dignity or positive social impact.
Filmmaker Moses Ipadeola, who founded the festival and serves as its director, said: “Our vision is to become a globally recognised hub for faith-based filmmaking, using the power of storytelling to transform lives, win souls for Christ and advance God’s Kingdom across nations.”
Ipadeola has also directed the Ibadan Indie Film Awards since 2023. The new festival gives him another opportunity to build a platform for filmmakers working in Christian cinema, with the first event set to take place at The iVTH Experience Cinema in Yaba, Lagos.
The inaugural jury brings together three people with different backgrounds in film and the arts. Dr. Abiodun Akinsiku, a Nigerian theatre scholar and media arts practitioner, will lead the panel, joined by filmmakers Taiwo Egunjobi and Segilola Ogidan.
Akinsiku said: “Film, amongst other arts, replicates reality closely; a faith-based film festival like this hence gives a transference of light through the lens.”
The competition will include awards for Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Best African Film, Best Acting Ensemble and the Social Impact Award. The organizers have not yet announced the selected films, with successful applicants due to be notified on November 15.
The festival is also arriving as more Nigerian Christian filmmakers look beyond church screenings and online releases - films such as Agbáraǹlá: The Return have demonstrated that faith-centered stories can also find audiences in commercial cinemas, while church-backed productions continue to reach viewers through YouTube and other digital platforms.
A festival dedicated to this kind of work could give independent filmmakers another way to get their films seen, meet other people working in the industry and receive recognition outside their immediate audience. The first edition will show how much interest there is, but the international submission process means it is not being limited to Nigerian productions.
Filmmakers can submit eligible projects through FestHome. The submission deadline is October 25, selected filmmakers will be notified on November 15, and the festival itself takes place in Lagos on December 18–19, 2026.
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