Nigeria’s end-of-year festival calendar is getting another addition, and this one is bringing Christian cinema to the fore.
Founded by filmmaker Moses Ipadeola (Ekun Iyawo), who serves as festival director, the Christian Faith International Film Festival Nigeria (CFIF) will hold its inaugural edition in Lagos from December 18–19, with a focus on Christian and values-driven cinema. Ipadeola has also served as director of the Ibadan Indie Film Awards since 2023.
Submissions remain open to filmmakers from across the world ahead of the first edition, which aims to celebrate, develop and promote Christian cinema through film exhibition, filmmaker recognition and industry engagement. Eligible works include narrative, documentary, animated and experimental films that explore or promote Christian faith, human dignity and positive social impact.
The submission window opened on July 12, 2026, with an early deadline of September 12 and an extended deadline of October 25. Selected filmmakers will be notified on November 15. Submissions are being accepted through FestHome.
“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,” festival director Moses Ipadeola said.
The three-person jury for the inaugural edition will be led by Nigerian theatre scholar and media arts practitioner Dr. Abiodun Akinsiku.
“Film, amongst other arts, replicates reality closely; a faith-based film festival like this hence gives a transference of light through the lens,” Akinsiku said in a statement.
The rest of the jury consists of filmmakers Taiwo Egunjobi (The Fire and The Moth) and Segilola Ogidan (Tainted Canvas).
Competitive categories at CFIF 2026 include Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Best African Film, Best Acting Ensemble and the Social Impact Award.
The festival arrives as Christian filmmaking continues to develop alongside Nigeria’s broader film industry, with faith-based producers increasingly experimenting with theatrical, digital and alternative distribution models, while more dedicated exhibition and festival platforms emerge around the space.
CFIF is not the only festival building specifically around Christian cinema. Fountain International Film Festival, which launched in 2022, is preparing for its fifth edition, also scheduled to take place in December.
On the commercial side, the Mount Zion-produced Agbara Nla: The Return recently broke preview-day records before an opening weekend of 170 million naira at the local box office. Producers such as Laju Iren (Onobiren) and Emmanuel Iren (What About Us?) have also taken faith-centred films to cinemas while exploring other distribution routes, including virtual cinema.
Faith-based titles have also become increasingly visible on YouTube and other digital platforms, particularly through long-form series backed by churches and Christian organisations. Recent examples include various titles by Mount Zion (The Abbattoir); The Wives, a 10-episode drama series from The Elevation Church; and the multi-season Just Us Girls from Mildred Kingsley-Okonkwo’s David’s Christian Centre.
With CFIF, the organisers are seeking to create another dedicated space where faith and filmmaking can meet at what they describe as a high standard of storytelling, craft and cultural expression.
The inaugural Christian Faith International Film Festival Nigeria will take place December 18–19, 2026, at The iVTH Experience Cinema in Yaba, Lagos.
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