Kingdomwood International Film Festival (formerly known as Kingdomwood Christian Film Festival) has announced its ninth edition will be held October 6 – 8, 2023 at the J.W. Marriott Hotel Atlanta Buckhead. The three-day Festival provides an outlet for faith-based filmmakers to screen their product and gather the tools and resources needed to better understand production, distribution and marketing of their films. Over 600 film makers and fans attended the 2016 festival, which included high-level industry speakers like Rich Peluso, senior vice president with Affirm Films, and Mark Fincannon, vice president of casting company Fincannon and Associates.

“Faith-based film-making is no longer a fringe part of the industry but presents a viable business model,” said Audrey Thomas, who with business partner Joe Williams founded the festival in 2008. “The number of these films grows every year, and big Hollywood actors like Octavia Spencer, Joseph Fiennes and Russell Crowe have made movies  – successful movies – in the genre. Kingdomwood is proud to be one of the premier showcases of these types of films, and looks forward to bringing again to this year’s audiences the best in inspirational film-making.”

Last year, KIFF reviewed over 100 film submissions to name 36 official selections for screening, covering full-length features, short films and documentaries. From the official selections, the festival then awards bronze, silver and gold honors in each category, as well as names best actor and actress for each category. Nominees are announced at the opening night celebration; winners are awarded at the closing KIFF Trophy Award Banquet. The list of 2016 KIFF Official Selections can be found at kingdomwood.com/schedule. A full list of 2016 award winners can be found on YouTube.

For the second year, Kingdomwood has also expanded its area of submissions to include original screenplays. The top three screenplays will be announced at the festival, with the winning screenwriters given full festival access and scheduled for a one-on-one meeting with one of KIFF’s key network/production partners to discuss their script.

Deadlines to submit U.S. and International films for the 2023 Kingdomwood International Film Festival are as follows:
• January 1, 2023: SUBMISSIONS OPEN
• June 30, 2023: FINAL DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS
• July 31, 2023: OFFICIAL SELECTIONS ARE ANNOUNCED

Submissions rules and regulations for the Film Festival are now available at http://kingdomwood.com/submissions/. Questions regarding submissions may be directed to [email protected] or by calling 678.671.0244.
KIFF is currently accepting applications for vendors and volunteers. Those interested in learning more about the festival and volunteer opportunities can meet the founders, Audrey Thomas and Joe Williams, and other staff members at a KIFF Volunteer Group Meeting on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at noon at First Christian Church of Atlanta, 4532 LaVista Road, Tucker, Georgia 30084.

Companies interested in sponsorships should contact Joe Williams at [email protected] or 404.641.4557.

About Kingdomwood International Film Festival

Kingdomwood International Film Festival (KIFF) is a 501c(3) organization that was founded in 2008 by Audrey Thomas and Joe Williams. The film festival is held annually in early October in Atlanta, and showcases faith-based films, filmmakers, and the making of films that promote spiritual growth and mentorship. KIFF screens full features, shorts and documentaries, and offers workshops and symposiums that offer insight and analysis of industry trends in faith-based filmmaking and production.

KCFF creates an environment of trust and receptiveness for families and individuals searching for films that speak to their inner spiritual thoughts, while providing a platform for filmmakers wishing to express their spiritual vision on film.

About Kingdomwood Film Institute

Kingdomwood Film Institute is an educational arm that provides courses and activities throughout the year that includes workshops, seminars, networking events, private screenings, and independent filmmakers business services such as distribution, and much more.

Kingdom Rating System (K-Rated)

The K-Rating System / Kingdom Rated Films (in development) provides guidelines that determine which audience a film is appropriate, similar to the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America).