Recently I went to Orlando for the 9th Annual International Christian Film Festival (ICFF). It included seminars for actors led by industry professionals like Roma Downey and Cameron Arnett, but anyone can get a movie pass to watch the film and documentary screenings. Volunteers are also needed to support the festival activities. The event ends with a red carpet awards ceremony, the winners for this year are listed here. While I listen to a lot of Christian music, I want to watch more media that aligns with my values. This is why I was excited to attend the festival, to get exposed to new edifying content. If that is an interest of yours as well there are some Christian streaming services like PureFlix and 24Flix, both helped sponsor the festival and have free trials. 24Flix even live-streamed parts of the festival online. 

This was my second time attending ICFF. The first time I went I arrived towards the end and wasn’t able to see much, but this time I got a movie pass for two days and was able to watch several movies and documentaries. Of course this time was also different due to Covid, but I wore a mask and socially distanced from others. I liked that time was allotted to the filmmakers and actors for each screening to give more information and have a Q&A. There was so much being shown, sometimes it was hard to pick what to watch! I did find myself watching more documentaries than movies and short films. In addition to the screenings, there were networking opportunities and vendors promoting their products, services, and books. Two speakers I wanted to see were Mimi and Muziqueen, two women who started Nashville is Not Just Country Music, cultivating the city’s diverse music scene. Although I did not get to meet them, their content is worth checking out! I could definitely see myself attending again in the future, perhaps volunteering to assist with a documentary screening room. For creatives, you can check their website for movie or music submissions for the next festival.

Here are some of the screenings I watched:

Death to Life – Trailer Link – Website

This was a very moving documentary about opioid addiction and recovery by filmmaker Nate Powers. It was my favorite screening at the festival. It tells the story of Markus McFolling and Kurstie Elser in a humanizing, personable way. It showed how things like depression and injuries can lead to an unexpected path of substance abuse. Their faith, determination to recover, along with the enduring love and support of their family brought people in the audience to tears. Markus eventually started a non-profit called Reach1 to give youth the encouragement he needed growing up.  The producers hope to get it distributed in 2022. It may get turned into a series as well. This Patheos article includes an interview with Nate Powers, it has more insight into his vision behind the documentary.

Sweet Sunshine – Trailer – Website

This movie won second place and best musical score at the festival. I don’t want to give away too much if you decide to watch it, the summary on their website says “After his rise to fame causes a rift with his father, a young superstar suffers a tragedy that will change his life forever.” Although I don’t listen to country music much, I appreciated the story and acting. It has had over 1 million views and can be watched in several places including Amazon Prime.

Witness to the Ends of the Earth in Vanuatu – Link to documentary on Youtube

 This documentary is about Won Chun Hee, a missionary who traveled to Vanuatu (a country east of Australia) to share the gospel and help a community. I had only heard of Vanuatu because a season of Survivor was filmed there. He initially struggled with God to accept the calling, but you can see how God graced him to fulfill it. I was curious to see the day to day life of a missionary. Some of the ways he serves include teaching local missionaries and helping with repairs after cyclones. He spent 10 years living with the natives to learn their culture and earn their trust. Their lifestyle is definitely different from ours in America.