An absolutely delightful experience. If you are a screenwriter creating stories in the Faith or Inspirational family film genres, give your script another polish and enter! Very few screenwriting competitions offer actual meetings with industry professionals as part of the awards package. Faith in Film does. That is an incredible opportunity for screenwriters to make actual connections that could advance your careers in the growing Faith and Inspirational genres. Thank you Faith In Film for recognizing my script this year! It made all those hours at my keyboard worthwhile! -Eric Carlson
Overall excellent experience. As a screenwriting competitor. As a finalist, the festival team wasted no time in contacting me. If anything, I was the one hard to reach. From the initial phone calls, the detailed script notes and their promise for a contact meeting with someone “in the business,” this group has done exactly what they said they would do. Thus far, a totally pleasant experience. Better than any other festival I have dealt with. -Robert Tate
This is an amazing festival. Organizers, producers, directors and screenwriters were easily accessible, collaborative and personable which was helpful to me as a screenwriter! The Festival Director was so helpful and planned a wonderful cavalcade of shorts and features which were wonderful. All screenwriters and other professionals should plan to attend next year’s event!! -Sheldon Kaplan
"Amazing fest! Joseph is a fantastic festival director!" -Mark Stewart Iverson
"I think there should be more film festivals like this one for two reasons. One, it was well run. And two, the film industry needs to promote more uplifting stories. There seems to be lack of them unfortunately in movie theaters, and people need the moral grounding that only stories can deliver." -Harrison Fowler
WOW! I am thrilled to receive your announcement that "Sweet Dreams" has been selected!! This is an honor. ~Dianne Janis
Faith in Film: International Film Festival and Screenwriting Competition was such a fantastic experience. Thank you to Joseph and the Faith in Film team for this fantastic opportunity. Getting to view the works from the talented film makers in the Shorts competition was especially rewarding. Films were original and inspiring. I feel exceptionally fortunate to be counted among them. Thank you, Faith in Film, for the experience!! -Ernie Rivera (Citadel Lost - Finalist - Feature Length Screenplay)
What a wonderful experience and we’ll organized film festival. ~Darren Burch
First and foremost, thank you again for the tremendous honor of awarding The Autumn Paladin the Grand Prize at this year’s Faith in Film Festival. That recognition truly means a great deal to me, and I deeply value the opportunity it provides to engage with industry professionals. That said, being recognized by the Faith in Film Festival has already opened new doors in terms of visibility and validation, and I’m hopeful it will lead to more direct opportunities ahead. I remain genuinely appreciative of what the festival has done to support my work—and the broader mission of promoting meaningful, values-driven storytelling. Thanks again for all you do, and I’m looking forward to what comes next. Warm regards, ~Michael Begg
Great festival! Honors true talent and the Almighty ~Clark Langdon
Honored to have my deeply religious screenplay, The Autumn Year, selected by FiF. Their readers "caught" the sublime allegorical symbolism within this deeply moving story. Kudos to the judges and readers for promoting faith-filled contests full of fine screenplays and films. God bless. ~Tony Bustamante
Positive experience and highly recommended. ~Matthew Chapman
I’m thrilled that my script, “The Doubter”, has been selected as a quarter-finalist in the screenwriting competition. It’s a true honor to be selected, and I appreciate it so much.
I’m incredibly thankful for this amazing opportunity. Your mission is so important, and I’m grateful to be selected. ~Christopher Moore
Thank you very much for your kind message. I’m truly honored to receive nominations in the categories I submitted to. Knowing that the project placed in the top 10% means a great deal to me and my team. Thank you as well for offering the laurels — I’ve downloaded them and will proudly include them in my project's materials. I appreciate the opportunity and recognition, and I wish you all the best for this year’s festival. Please keep me in mind for future editions, and I hope to participate again. ~Bin He
Faith in Film: International Film Festival is a legit film festival. It was an honor for our film, Just Passing Through, to be nominated for Best Feature Film. We loved the communication efforts. We were thrilled to have been a part of this festival. I highly recommend Faith in Film!!! All glory to God!!! ~Randy de Hoyos
Thank you so much for this very true honor of being named a quarter finalist in this year's festival! To say that I am pleased and ecstatic would be an understatement. Thank you so much for this honor. ~Ramon Torres
THANK YOU for considering our two discussion-starter films: "THE DASH" and "THE SOLUTION?" We appreciate a platform that allows even novice filmmakers (like us) to participate and look forward to submitting our next ones in the series. ~Gilbert Sommerville
We had a great time at the festival. I loved having an opportunity to interact with some of the creators and participants. Keep up the good work! ~David Templeton
This was my first time entering and I found the FiF was great about notifications and keeping me abreast of my entries!! I also appreciate the recognition. It definitely was validating! ~Ramona Taylor
I just wanted to say thank you for the kind words. I really appreciated it and happy you guys enjoyed the film. Thank you for your nomination, it means a lot, and I wish you the best of luck with your festival! ~Timothy Norman
Thank you again for taking time to review my script and give me encouragement. Many, many thanks! ~Krissie Allen
Dear Faith in Film International-It is a great honor to have received an award from you. Faith in Film is a beautiful organization, inspired from above. ~F H Plitt
What exciting news! Thank you for the hope and courage to continue on and thank you for building a beautiful faith based community for us to come together and represent the kingdom of God on earth. With gratitude, ~Lana Lords
I am SO delighted and honored to have been included in your program, let alone being recognized with an award! "Marshmallow Moss" has won other awards, but I'm especially happy about this one because, obvious, your festival has a special and clearly emergent niche, and because you and the jury must have sensed a spiritual element in my film. Thank you for watching and sharing it. ~Bryan Hough
Big Thank You from Penny from Heaven! ~Richard Oshen
They do a great job honoring faith in film! ~PJ Foley ,
My scripts "The Stylite" and "The Stylite - Christmas in Alexantine" were Quarter Finalists in the latest contest. Much thanks! ~Shane Hallawa
Thank you so much for recognizing and choosing my indigenous film and screenplay When the Forest Speaks as a Quarter Finalist in your festival! ~Christine Bowden
Thank you for the nomination! Success with the festival! best wishes! ~Pedro Aspahan
Many thanks for my Christmas script, ONCE THERE WERE STORIES. Quarter-finalist. ~Lynn Elliott
I wholeheartedly recommend the Faith in Film International Film Festival and Screenwriting Contest to any filmmaker or writer seeking a professional, uplifting, and truly rewarding festival experience. From the moment I submitted, their communication was exceptional—clear, timely, and genuinely supportive. The feedback I received was kind, insightful, and encouraging, helping me grow as a writer.
The festival itself was held in a beautiful and engaging venue that reflected the heart and spirit of the stories celebrated there. The atmosphere was welcoming and inspiring, and the team behind the scenes clearly cared about every participant and selection. With a plethora of high-quality films and scripts, the event felt both inclusive and curated with integrity.
Being named a quarter-finalist was a true honor, and I left the online experience feeling seen, supported, and motivated. Faith in Film is not just a festival—it's a celebration of purpose-driven storytelling, handled with professionalism and heart. ~Scott Glenn
I am just overjoyed that you found merit with our film and its message. It is such an honor to be understood and embraced by a community which is all about the message we tried to communicate. Thank you for this wonderful endorsement, your time in viewing our film, understanding the nuance and message and for wanting to let us know that we created something pleasing. This means everything and I cannot say enough how grateful our entire team is for your kind acknowledgement. Have a great festival and enjoy the screenings and excitement you have helped generate for all the artists. We need this support and outreach if not simply for the embrace of the heart we pour into our creative efforts. It is invaluable to have teammates in this regard. Thank you. ~Anne Trenning
It is with great respect, joy, and in all humility that I write you today. My name is Ernie Rivera. I am the writer-creator of Citadel Lost. I wish to extend to you my gratitude, and appreciation for all you do in this space. I poured my heart into Citadel Lost, and I just want to thank you for seeing me, the message, and the work. ~Ernie Riviera
Our team would love to thank you for the nomination of Just Passing Through for Best Feature Film. We are beyond honored and super excited for your upcoming festival. Once again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this honor. All glory to God! Forever grateful, ~Randy and Jill De Hoyos
Dear Friends in 'Faith In Film', Thank you so much for the acknowledgement you gave to 'The Unicorn of Kilimanjaro'. It is so appreciated. I also want to thank you for establishing and running a festival devoted to uplifting and positive material. In our present day world where degradation, alienation, and disconnection from 'Source' are rampant, your endeavor supports our collective spiritual journey to realizing our connection to the Divine. The old saying that 'life imitates art' is so relevant here. We desperately need films that inspire and illustrate what life lived from a higher perspective looks like, especially to model character for young people. Having access to others who are on an upward path, makes it so much easier to keep the light on. I am deeply heartened to continue on. Thanks again. May the Blessings Be! Janine Smith
2025's Screenwriting winners received consultation packages provided by Roadmap Writers that included consultations with top talent managers in New York and LA. Our grand prize winner had a choice between one hours worth of script notes from an industry pro or three shorter consultations with top talent managers in New York and LA. Our top two finalists also received individual industry consultations.
2025 Winners!
Grand Prize Winner!
The Autumn Paladin by Michael Begg
Finalists
Resurrection, Nevada by Noelle Nelson
Citadel Lost by Ernie Rivera
Semi-Finalists
Son of a Preacher Man by Georgia Peddie
Nick the Hat by Michael Perri
The Doubter by Christopher Moore
In My Brother's Image by Tamas Harangi and Eugene Pogany
Magdalene by Mary Driscoll-Ingraham
Stop-Loss by Ramona L. Taylor
The Pit by Duncan B. Putney
The King Affair by Jeff Evans
The Quiet Neighborhood by Jeff Evans
The Lady with the Lamp by Ashley Schroff RN BSN and Eric Sollars
Grace by Jamse Stewart Welch, Jr.
Jake and Four Musketeers by Michael Sollars Geoffrey Sollars Eric Sollars
At the Mercy of Faith by Samuel Lee Taylor
The Fourth Psalm by John Martins III
Pop.:1 by Vic Aviles
Protecting Grace by Richard Grahn
Epiphany by David Murphy
The Clockmaker's Sanctuary by Frances Presley Rice
***
.Hosted by coian Joseph Nybyk
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Congrats to Ernie Rivera, one of our two 2025 screenwriting finalists. Ernie Rivera is a talented screenwriter currently residing in California. Ernie was a finalist in the Faith in Film Screenwriting Competition with his brilliant script aptly entitled Citadel Lost. We sent him a few interview questions. This is what he got back to us with.
What's your background? How long have you been writing/making movies? And what made you choose to get into screenwriting/filmmaking?
Hi! Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to share my story with the world. I’m Ernie Rivera, and well, let’s see… what’s my background… I’ve been acting on and off since I was 18. It started off mostly as background work on big sets. You see, I had literally zero exposure to the film industry, with the exception of being a film lover. For me, the first few years were just learning the 101 basics of the industry. After a couple of years, I got my A.A. and my BFA in acting. While I’ve always, always been in love with story telling through film, for me, screenwriting is a newer thing. I just knew that I wanted to contribute more, that I had more inside me, more needing to get out, and so I sat down and I wrote, and I wrote, and I wrote.
What screenwriting/filmmaking training have you received? And what were some of your biggest breakthroughs?
When I was earning my BFA in Acting, I had taken a screenwriting class for a semester. And while it was only a semester, what it did was a great job at setting up the dos and don’ts. That class gave me context for the countless hours of movies and television I’ve watched over the years, not to mention scripts I’ve read as an actor. I’d absorbed so many lessons in screenwriting through my study of film, but I didn’t have the language for what I had internalized… until that first screenwriting class.
What's the title of your script/film you entered, and what's it about?
I am so glad I get to share this with everyone. My screenplay is called Citadel Lost. It’s a story about masculinity, femininity, brotherhood, and redemption through pain… and choice. It tells the story of enhanced soldier Jacob Marcos, who after a major battle against an old friend, starts to feel the effects of Post Traumatic Brain Injury, and unnamed PTSD. Truly believing the enemy is coming for one last conflict, Jacob takes his family to his underground compound, where he must face friends, the worst of himself, and question whether there is enough left of himself to save.
Where do you look for inspiration and what inspired you to write this script?
Citadel Lost very quickly became its own thing… but if you’re asking me, what was the initial spark for this story… I had heard a story from a few years back. I wont mention names, but a pro athlete, who had suffered years of brain damage, trapped his family… and I thought how terrifying that must have been. Citadel Lost became an exploration and a deconstruction of the American myth of the “Super Soldier.” It became a study of people, of good people, who just happen to be compromised in one way or another.
What was your experience with our festival? What did you like most about your experience?
This is my very first time at Faith in Film. In fact, Faith in Film is the first festival I’ve ever attended for something I’ve written, and I could not be happier with my experience at the festival! The organizers are so inviting; the filmmakers are all so engaging. It was a real pleasure to get to experience so many amazing movies, from so many talented film makers.
What are you working on now, what have been your biggest victories, and what do you plan on writing/producing in the near future?
Well, since Faith in Film… The team and I just got done shooting a 10 minute short film, a proof of concept, for my feature length script Citadel Lost. And that was so… surreal, so powerful, to see my words get brought to life by such talented, and committed cast and crew. Special thanks have to go out to director Fred Meza, for bringing my words to life. Special thanks go out to my wonderful cast Debby Gerber, Mikhail Novick, Casey Morlet, Ed Gage. Thanks to my talented fight crew, my cast, my friends and supporters.
Also, since our Finalist placement at Faith in Film, we have been selected for the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF). We have also been selected to the Marina Del Rey Film Festival… and we are just getting started! With roughly 20 additional competitions coming up, we are really starting to build some heat!
And… I am currently working on something, something big, in a way very different than Citadel Lost. I am looking to partner with interested industry professionals to help bring these films to the big screen, and streaming, as they really deserve. Okay… with that shameless plug out of the way… My new script is called “Greymen: a Contactee’s Tale.” Greymen tells the story of: an alien-abduction hoaxer named Leo Ortiz, the young documentary team (hoaxers in their own right) questing to find and interview Leo, and a woman named Morgan Pike, who may be the films only real abductee… however no one believes her because we live in a time of videos and showmanship.
… I’m really excited for Greymen!
Any advice for those about to dive into their first feature-length screenplay?
I would say… we all eventually have something that needs to get out… watch movies, live life, develop the words you need to give context to your feelings, your desires, your pains. I would say, if something isn’t fundamentally altered by the end of a scene, then that’s a scene you can get rid of. Also, no line is so cool that it can’t and shouldn’t get scrapped to protect the integrity of your story. And lastly, understand that all of your characters… they all come from you. So its your job to figure out which part of you that is, and what YOU need THEM to NEED in that moment.
I’d just like to thank Faith in Film: International Film Festival and Screenplay Competition, one more time, for being such kind hosts. For giving us a home to share what I needed to share. And to all the aspiring writers out there… the work is hard… but it is well, well worth it. Happy writing!
An absolutely delightful experience. If you are a screenwriter creating stories in the Faith or Inspirational family film genres, give your script another polish and enter! Very few screenwriting competitions offer actual meetings with industry professionals as part of the awards package. Faith in Film does. That is an incredible opportunity for screenwriters to make actual connections that could advance your careers in the growing Faith and Inspirational genres. Thank you Faith In Film for recognizing my script this year! It made all those hours at my keyboard worthwhile! -Eric Carlson
Overall excellent experience. As a screenwriting competitor. As a finalist, the festival team wasted no time in contacting me. If anything, I was the one hard to reach. From the initial phone calls, the detailed script notes and their promise for a contact meeting with someone “in the business,” this group has done exactly what they said they would do. Thus far, a totally pleasant experience. Better than any other festival I have dealt with. -Robert Tate
This is an amazing festival. Organizers, producers, directors and screenwriters were easily accessible, collaborative and personable which was helpful to me as a screenwriter! The Festival Director was so helpful and planned a wonderful cavalcade of shorts and features which were wonderful. All screenwriters and other professionals should plan to attend next year’s event!! -Sheldon Kaplan
"Amazing fest! Joseph is a fantastic festival director!" -Mark Stewart Iverson
"I think there should be more film festivals like this one for two reasons. One, it was well run. And two, the film industry needs to promote more uplifting stories. There seems to be lack of them unfortunately in movie theaters, and people need the moral grounding that only stories can deliver." -Harrison Fowler
Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity to get feedback on my screenplay. Already, many doors of opportunity have been opened as a result of the award. ~Andrew Smith
We are very appreciative to Joseph and the entire Faith in Film festival team for the honor of award winner for our short film I LOVE THIS COUNTRY. Joseph has gone above and beyond in several ways to make the experience very memorable! ~Rob Turfe
Thank you very much! We are incredibly honored and grateful, may God bless you and your team! ~Danny Hidalgo
What an honor to be selected and then chosen as an award winner. Great organization, communication, and passion for the mission of the festival. Excellent! ~Steve Horswill-Johnston
Thank you for the note and sharing the final judge's comments. They are very helpful. And thank you for the film/screenwriting festival. I believe it is such an important event.I pray the Lord will bless you richly today. ~Clint Morey
Thanks so much for this news! We are proud of this little film that is touching hearts. We wish we could have been there in person. We will leave a positive review. So fun and meaningful. ~Steve Horswill-Johnston
OH WOW! Thank you so very much Joseph — This is incredible. Hopefully we can do more in the future. ~Adam Senior
Always an honor to be recognized for work that glorifies our faith and God. ~Rick Teste
It is a great honor for our film to be distinguished by your festival as best feature film. We thank you and the jury for this prize. ~Francois Manceaux
Thanks so much -Maurice Smith
Thank you for the nomination. I'm truly grateful for the recognition. -Claudia Parker
Wow! I'm now an award-winning screenwriter! Thanks very much for naming me a quarter-finalist. I know it may not mean much in the grand scheme of things, but it means a lot to me. ~Bret Thurman
I was in shock when I received my quarter-finalist notification! Faith in Film allows those who believe to be heard and seen when so many do not want to listen or see those of us who do. God's speed! ~G. B. Katich
Dear "Faith in Film", Thank you so much for the nominations. We are very grateful and excited by the honor! ~ Katherine Harold
The consults went great. I enjoyed them and appreciate the feedback. ~Eric Sollars
Thank you for the wonderful news! We are very excited that our film has been selected as a nominee at your festival. ~Daniel Gat
I was very pleased with everything, thank you ~Peter Williams
Thank you for reaching out to me and offering your kind words of encouragement and support. It was a pleasure speaking with you. ~Salvatore Bono
This was the first festival that ANGELIC the musical (a WICKED story) was submitted to. The feedback received was helpful in both form and function. The affirmation as quarter-finalist was appreciated too. ~Nicholas Hafner
This film festival was awesome. I truly enjoyed it. ~Maurice Smith
Thank you very much. ~Gary Waddell
God bless you and the work that you do. ~Peter Herlan
Truly an excellent honor!!! Thank you. ~Nathan Waire
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story, for reviewing my work and the recognition. God bless! ~The Jordans
Dear Faith in Film, Thank you very much for the good news! It's a big surprise for me! It's fantastic that you watched my documentary and thank you for appreciating it. It is my hope.I have the strength to create a new documentary again. I wish all good and blessings of Good!! ~Bernadeta Tokarova
I write this message with great pleasure, to show gratitude and appreciation for the time and effort given to watch our project, (What A Life). It is a privilege to have received this recognition from you. My team and I all say thank you. As the writer, producer and director of this movie, this nomination just boosted my energy with the belief that I am not alone out there trying to preach the gospel through my artistry talent and skills. I also believe, that each and every member of the cast and crew is elated seeing their efforts being rewarded. ~Femi David
Fantastic festival that gives a voice to filmmakers. Incredibly grateful for this venue and opportunity. ~Daniel Hildago
2024's Screenwriting winners received consultation packages provided by Roadmap Writers that included consultations with top talent managers in New York and LA with a minimum of one hours worth of script notes from an industry pro for the grand prize winner. Our top two finalists also received individual industry consultations.
2024 Winners!
Grand Prize Winner!
Brother Proof by Michael Sollars, Geoffrey Sollars, Eric Sollars
Finalists
Executed and Risen by Salvatore A. Bono
The Great Adventure by Client Morey
Semi-Finalists
Jonah: The Reluctant Prophet by Jack Weset
The Last Knight of Bohemia by John Patrick O’Donnell
The Empty House by Sean O’Connor
The Loss We Bear by Roberta Steve
The Scarlett Thread by John Martins III
The Last Three Kings by Barbara R. Nicolosi
Trail of Blood by Fiore DeRosa
The Backpack by Jeffrey Alan Chase
Fear Not by Paul Myerberg & Janet Lloyd Myerberg
The Non-Sex Life of Piper and Matt by Corrine Beenfield
Cathedrals on the Warm Surface by Colin Dodds
Run with the Antelope by David Lugo
When You're Like Nobody by Donna Jeffries
The Unknown by Graham Mulvein
Cots by John Purvis
Samson: The War of the Labinor by E.M. Fraser
Without Roots by Melanie Hope Lang
A Dolphin in Our Lake by David Nicholas Hartmann
The Power of Wings by Connie Rankin and Jeff Olsen
More of the Same by Marcus Sanford
***
.
Hosted by comedian Joseph Nybyk
Support Faith in Film!
An absolutely delightful experience. If you are a screenwriter creating stories in the Faith or Inspirational family film genres, give your script another polish and enter! Very few screenwriting competitions offer actual meetings with industry professionals as part of the awards package. Faith in Film does. That is an incredible opportunity for screenwriters to make actual connections that could advance your careers in the growing Faith and Inspirational genres. Thank you Faith In Film for recognizing my script this year! It made all those hours at my keyboard worthwhile! -Eric Carlson
Overall excellent experience. As a screenwriting competitor. As a finalist, the festival team wasted no time in contacting me. If anything, I was the one hard to reach. From the initial phone calls, the detailed script notes and their promise for a contact meeting with someone “in the business,” this group has done exactly what they said they would do. Thus far, a totally pleasant experience. Better than any other festival I have dealt with. -Robert Tate
This is an amazing festival. Organizers, producers, directors and screenwriters were easily accessible, collaborative and personable which was helpful to me as a screenwriter! The Festival Director was so helpful and planned a wonderful cavalcade of shirts and features which were wonderful. All screenwriters and other professionals should plan to attend next year’s event!! -Sheldon Kaplan
Bless you and thank you for giving this True Story the attention it deserves -Michael Sinclair Walter
I am so enamored with the Faith in Film team. Whenever I have had a query, their response has been timeous, polite and on point. Hopefully I move on to the semi finals to enjoy more of the same. Martin Cox
What an honor to move ahead as a quarterfinalist for FAITH IN FILM! I'm extremely humbled and thankful for the opportunity.
Even though I wasn't able to attend the festival in person this year, I am so honored that our feature screenplay, PLAYING JESUS, is a Semi-Finalist!! Huge shout-out and much gratitude to the team at Faith In Film International Film Festival & Screenwriting Competition!! I look forward to submitting new projects to you in the future. Thank you again!! -Tammy Klembith
I'm so honored to have my script "A Picture Worth Every Word" chosen as a QUARTER-FINALIST! This is such a beautiful festival. I highly recommend entering your Faith or inspirational family film genre scripts. Excellent experience! Thank you! -Pat Stone
Absolutely wonderful experience - and I truly enjoyed my consults! They made me feel like I was just sitting in the room with them having a nice chat about my script – just incredibly wonderful people. You also kept me informed every step of the way! I would urge anyone with a solid inspirational script to enter! I believe audiences want these kinds of stories, so here’s a perfect opportunity to see if your script is on the right track. -Eric Carlson
Thank you sooo much for your wonderful support and consideration. I look forward to further submissions in the coming year. I enjoyed so much talking with the Festival Director, Producers, and writers who were there reviewing the amazing films throughout the day! I encourage screenwriters to submit their work to this festival! Sheldon J Kaplan PhD
I know eXXXonerated takes an unorthodox look at faith. This story came from my struggles with those who speak about kindness, mercy, and Micah 6:8, but whose actions are less than compassionate. Thank you again for allowing me to share my script with your team. May you have a blessed festival! -Natasha Lewin
I am thrilled and honored to be selected by your team as a quarter finalist. With all the competition there is out there, it is good to see encouragement in family oriented work.. Thank you kindly for your award! -Wade Prozeller
It was a great pleasure to participate in the Faith in Film Festival. Happy to see my work appreciated - especially noting the fact that my script touches upon pretty complicated agendas. Oleg Bazlewicz
Wonderful to be included in this festival, glad to see all the inspiring films and scripts out there. Many thanks for including me. All the best to everyone involved. -Jonah West
Good program for family friendly scripts. Walter Ferrin
Great Festival, good people! Optimistic to have more material to enter next year. -Michael J Alcorn
It is really wonderful and exciting to be a quarter finalist for "The Queens of Stockton". It is great to have a platform where you can simply tell a story and not espouse current political agenda. Keep up the good work. Thank you Faith in Film. Wade Prozella
Great, thank you for the acknowledgment! Stay inspired! -Sean Dobra
Thank you very much for the exciting news that I'm a quarter finalist. I've already shared it on facebook. Find a reason to share unexpected, joyous laughter with others in my absence. -Fran Tabor
I am so pleased to be a quarter-finalist. Thank you again for your consideration. To God goes the glory, Joseph Link
I am honoured to have Quarter Finalist at this festival. As my film is spiritual / supernatural /Law of Attraction-based, it was nice to get this from a festival that specialises in faith-based stories! I wish I could have been at the event -Amelya Goldy
Faith In Film is one of the few contests where I feel my submitted script doesn't drop into a black hole. That alone is worth the price of admission. -Paul Myerberg
I just wanted to write to you guys and say thank you so much for selecting my screenplay Pocket Money. It is an incredible honor to be a quarter finalist in the festival, and I knew it would be worth it to make the submission. Hopefully this recognition will movie the screenplay a step forward to becoming a feature film. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart, this is greatly appreciated. -Jabari Clarke-Pennegan
Hello, and THANK YOU for recognizing my screenplay, One Simple Thing, as a quarterfinalist in this year’s competition. It means a lot to me that a competition centered on faith feels my story has merit in this arena. Thank you again for hosting a festival that honors faith in film. I really think there is a hungry market out there for stories that give hope and spread the message of God’s unending love for us. -Steven Philip Hauge
Thank you so much for this wonderful news. I am very excited!🤗 I also thank God for allowing me to write this piece, for all the right reasons. 🙏 -Martin Cox
This is a very beautiful festival and this is a great honor to be Quater finalist for my screenplay : the Priory of Sion. Thank you very much Florence Cazebon-Taveau France
I just wanted to say how good it feels to be acknowledged in your contest. I've been checking out all the pictures on the festival website, everyone looks like they're having a great time celebrating great work. Sincerely thank you, this is a new level of achievement for me, Even without a sale or getting the movies made it's good to know that my scripts are able to connect with total strangers in a meaningful way. That's why we do this, right? Thanks again. Kevin Turpin
Thank you so much for this honour, I am touched that you like my humble script "3 Ways To Say I Love You In Danish." This has made my day. -Amelya Gold
Thanks so much for this great news! A lovely email to wake up to this morning. Steve Brehm
I am honoured that my screenplay Orange Cove made the quarterfinalists in the Faith In Film screenplay competition. James Lee
Thank you very much for including our short film, Silencing Fear in your festival programming. This is the first time we've submitted multiple films to a festival, because Faith in Film is exactly what we look to produce. Thanks for giving us a platform to showcase these stories. Blessings to you. Praying the festival goes great! -Ducon Williams
Great Opportunity and communication during such an odd time for our industry. Glad to be chosen and to be a part. Thanks for the acknowledgements!! -Tommy Anderson
"Amazing fest! Joseph is a fantastic festival director!" -Mark Stewart Iverson
"I think there should be more film festivals like this one for two reasons. One, it was well run. And two, the film industry needs to promote more uplifting stories. There seems to be lack of them unfortunately in movie theaters, and people need the moral grounding that only stories can deliver." -Harrison Fowler
"Overall excellent experience. As a screenwriting competitor, I did not attend the festival. As a finalist, the festival team wasted no time in contacting me. If anything, I was the one hard to reach. From the initial phone calls, the detailed script notes and their promise for a contact meeting with someone “in the business,” this group has done exactly what they said they would do. Thus far, a totally pleasant experience. Better than any other festival I have dealt with." -Robert Tate
"Great competition for screenwriters! I will enter again." -Victoria Rosendahl
"Joseph, I had my consult with Mark tonight and it was an absolute delight..we had a great conversation and the notes Mark provided were spot on...I think we ended up talking for almost an hour and a half...it was like speaking with a long acquainted friend. Thank you all again! This has been a wonderful experience." -Eric Carlson
2023's Screenwriting winners received consultation packages provided by Roadmap Writers that included consultations with top talent managers in New York and LA with a minimum of one hours worth of script notes from an industry pro for the grand prize winner. Our top two finalists also received individual industry consultations.
2023 Winners!
Grand Prize Winner!
Reach for the Sky by Eric William Carlson
Finalists
The Banner by Ernestina Juárez
25, Chapel Lane by John A. Read
Semi-Finalists
Dents by Dennis Doud
Jackin' the Devil by Paul Myerberg and Janet Lloyd Myerberg
Lost and Found by Phil Olson
Angels Never Sleep by Ronald L. Ecker
The Loser's Club by Jonathan Turner Smith
For Those We Love and Cherish by Sheldon Kaplan & Lee Kaplan
Playing Jesus by Tammy Klembith and George Klembith
The Legend of Carter Dodson by Arlette Thomas Fletcher
Call Me Debra by Agustin S. McCarthy and Melanie RW Oram
Kiss the Baby by Dominique Rashaad Partridge
Seed Police by Gayla Prewitt
The Witness by Frank Battaglia and Toby Osborne
The Magic Apples by Greg Stelley and Jon Beauchemin
Rising from the Sparks by Barbara West
Miracle Flight by Tonya Perry
Glimmer by Gayla Prewitt
Time's Up by Dezz Peterson
Jonah: Runaway Prophet by James Grant
Pickleball Killer by Jim Carroll
Hungry by Paul Myerberg and Janet Lloyd Myerberg
Michael is Coming by P. James Norris
Robosapiens by Terry Coddington
Bunyan by JW Lee
This is Dickens by Esther Carr
***
Final round judging facilitated by Coverfly
Hosted by comedian Joseph Nybyk
Support Faith in Film!
"Amazing fest! Joseph is a fantastic festival director!" -Mark Stewart Iverson
"I think there should be more film festivals like this one for two reasons. One, it was well run. And two, the film industry needs to promote more uplifting stories. There seems to be lack of them unfortunately in movie theaters, and people need the moral grounding that only stories can deliver." -Harrison Fowler
"Overall excellent experience. As a screenwriting competitor, I did not attend the festival. As a finalist, the festival team wasted no time in contacting me. If anything, I was the one hard to reach. From the initial phone calls, the detailed script notes and their promise for a contact meeting with someone “in the business,” this group has done exactly what they said they would do. Thus far, a totally pleasant experience. Better than any other festival I have dealt with." -Robert Tate
"This festival was far and above a delight to be a part of and we were well received by the community. Thank you!" -Mark Rose
"Wow. We are so honored. Thank you so much." -Hess Wesley
"This was my first submission for the “Faith in Film International Film Festival and Screenwriting Competition”. It far exceeded my expectations as I made it into the quarter finals and had some very kind words of encouragement from the sponsors of the event. I would highly recommend this competition to all Screenwriters." -Vic Quinton
"Great competition for screenwriters! I will enter again." -Victoria Rosendahl
"Thank you for the Quarter-Finalist placement of my original screenplay Gladiator Wars Z of the World!" -Raymond Harrison
"We are absolutely thrilled with Faith in Film: Int'l Film Festival & Screenwriting Competition! This was our first time submitting to the festival and were honored to have been a part of it! Definitely looking forward to submitting some of our other projects to this festival! Thank you FIF!!" -Kevin & Maria O’Bryan
"Thank you very much for nominating my film. We wish your film festival continued prosperity." -小路谷 秀樹
"I am incredibly honored to have had my first screenplay – “The Whole Zen Thing” – be named a quarter-finalist in the 2022 competition. Sending sincere thanks and gratitude to the ‘Faith in Film’ team for their kind recognition – and for their ongoing mission to support faith-based content!" -Mark Clemente
"It gives us immense pleasure to get our movie KUGRAMA selected in your prestigious film festival as a nominee. Thank you so very much for this wonderful opportunity. We are honoured and received your valuable award respectfully." -Lokendrasurya Surya
"Thanks again for quarterfinalling my drama screenplay OF GOD'S WILL. It was an honor and I am happy someone enjoyed reading the script!" -Danny Yang
"We were excited to receive a nomination for our TV Pilot. We think the genre of the festival is highly important and a good thing for filmmakers of Faith." -Larry E. Johnson
"My feature length script was a Quarter Finalist. Received good notes. You guys are appreciated. Give thanks." -DK Nwosu
2022's Screenwriting winners received consultation packages provided by Roadmap Writers that included consultations with top talent managers in New York and LA with a minimum of one hours worth of script notes from an industry pro for the grand prize winner. Our top two finalists also received individual industry consultations.
2022 Winners!
Grand Prize Winner!
Conviction by Garnet Osse Lawrence
Finalists
Nathan’s Christmas by Gary Kriesel
When Crosses Clashed by Robert Tate
Semi-Finalists
Livingstone by Steve Brehm
One Road…One Day by Ray Dan Klein
Evicted from the Whale by Randy Steinhauser, James Seamans
Runaway Ship by Theodore Carl Soderberg
The Lazaretto by Steve Garry
Driver’s Seat by Steven Freehauf
The Josephus Conspiracy by David Garrett
The Last Creation by Brad Cooper
The Lion Slayer by Paul Hamilton Magid
Aren’t You the Family? By Angelise Milton
Courageous by Hannah Ratnam
Sport of Kings by Sharlin Quest
M30 Oxy by Wesley Mullins and Leanne Johnson
Stroke of Genius by Moriel E Randolph
Solitary Refinement by Jaclyn Whitt
Biker by Ruth Elaine Pradzynski
Stealing Mom by Mark Stewart Iverson
Game 4 by Steven Freehauf
***
Final round judging provided by Coverfly.
Support Faith in Film!
"Such a gorgeous film festival with such a beautiful intention! This is what the world needs! LOVED everything about it and am so grateful & happy for my first short film LOTUS to be a part of it and to have even received the award for "Best Cinematography". What an amazing team, great communication & organisation. Many thanks for all you are and do." - Angelika Furster
2021 Winners!
Grand Prize Winner!
Beyond the Moon by Ken Jones and Suzanne Fitzpatrick
Finalists
The Christmas Kid by Carmen Lindsay
The Race by Stephanie Banks
Semi-Finalists
The Second Son by Leonard Varasano
A Season of Miracles by Valerie Peterson & Bonnie Peterson
360 A Full Circle by Dar Bryant and Annalee Banks
Revenge of Art by Timothy Paulson
Angelina’s Feather by Stuart Schultz
Hearing Thoughts by Anthony Diffley
No Place I’d Rather Be by Steven Martin
Cat 5 by G.D. Brulato
Jordan’s Slum by John Kestner
In a Heartbeat by Juana Stockham
Spectrum by Bryan Mero
Soul Drivers by Brian Keys Hands
Three Dreams by Sonia Dryden
The God Daughter Files by Erik Michael
The Banner by Ernestina Juarez
Hitler’s Psychiatrist by Thomas Giuliano
Cataclysm by Brian Hayes
***
Final Round reads provided by Coverfly coverage services
2020's Screenwriting winners received consultation packages provided by Roadmap Writers that included consultations with top talent managers in New York and LA with a minimum of one hours worth of script notes from an industry pro for the grand prize winner. Our top two finalists also received individual industry consultations.
"Great film festival and screenplay contest. Professional all the way. Look forward to entering again. Highly recommended as a way to get your material in front of the right people"
"Well, what I can say. My script "Blood Trigger" was chosen as the grand prize winner of the 2020 Faith in Film International Screenwriting Competition. I personally received a phone call from the festival director, letting me know my script had made the list of three finalists. The next day, I found out I was the winner! In the short time since I won, my script has been submitted to six production companies and managers. Hoping great things will happen. Thanks again!"
"Delighted to have 'Love is Mute' as a part of the Official Selection of Faith in Film's competition! Appreciated how quick and communicative the festival was."
2020 Winners!
Grand Prize Winner!
Blood Trigger by Ron Podell
Finalists
Go, Doctor Banting by Scott Sollars, Eric Sollars, and Kyle Sollars
Challenger by Mike Budalich & John Kirk
Semi-Finalists
Camp Hero by Joseph Kovler
The Good Shepherd by Judith Sears
Tongues of Men and Angels by Elizabeth Hayes
Go for Broke by Stephanie Parker
Capital Loss by Xavier John
At the Mercy of Faith by Samuel Lee Taylor
Mysteries of Lake Brosno by Serge Okhotin
Love is Mute by Jean-Marc Le Doux
Flash Drive by Dan Herman
Down is Up by Ligia Maria Storrs Rojas & Justin Storrs
2019 Winners!
Grand Prize Winner!
Project Omega by James Norris
Finalists
Arizona Sunrise by John Martins III
The MicroCosmic Cartoon Show by Prema Rose, Hugh Rose, and Suryananda Rose
Semi-Finalists
Full Distance by Jeff Malphurs
Relentless Love by Sandon Yahn
Savior by Bo Sanders
The Watchmaker by Steven D’Addieco
Barrington Bunny by Sandy Wolf
Throw Away a Miracle by Jerry Perez
Executed and Risen by Salvatore Bono
Shroud Trinity by Frank McEvoy
Runaway Cruise by Theodore Soderberg
Quest for Light, Adventure of the Magi by Byron Anderson
Seven Thousand Islands by G.R. White
Ricky Unidas by Carmen Lindsay
"My screenplay, "Flash Drive" was a Semi-Finalist in the 2020 competition. Congratulations to those who became Finalists. I want to thank everyone at Faith In Film for giving us faith-based writers an opportunity to participate in this competition."
"Many thanks to Joseph and his team at Faith in Film. Our script "Challenger" was named one of three finalists in this year's competition. Just a few days after a notification call from Joseph, the script and log line were distributed to production and management companies with proven track records. Credit goes to Faith in Film for creating genuine opportunities for screenwriters."
"I am so honored that my script, The Good Shepherd, was selected as a semifinalist in the 2020 Faith in Film competition. It is one of the first competition outings for this story of a 1st century Galilean shepherd whose life intersects Joseph, Mary and the child Jesus, so I was grateful that Faith in Film provided written feedback from the last round reader. That will be very helpful. In my interaction with the festival staff I felt they demonstrated a real concern and respect for writers and supporting writers in pursuing their careers. Congratulations to the other semifinalists, finalists, and Grand Prize Winner! A great opportunity!"
2018 Winners!
Grand Prize Winner!
God’s Photo Album by Susan Arnout Smith
Finalists
Pokey Nose by Tami Ryder
Songbird by Rebecca Williams Spindler
Semi-Finalists
Love Is Free Will by Amanda Samaroo
Special Report by Joseph Carpenter
The Christmas Notes by Craig Clyde
Runaway Ship by Theodore Soderberg
Florence by Charlotte Scholer
Close Enough to Perfect by Dan Williams
Saving Esperanza by Betty Sullivan
Sarah Soldier by Cara Winter
Wayfarers by Arnon Shorr
Resurrection by Christina Shaver
Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin by Candyce Petersen
Forces of Balance by Maurice Lewis
Saving the Moon by Brian Shoop
The Day Little Black Pearl Found God in the Center of a Sunflower by Mildred Langford
Dark Matters by James Beeler
At The Mercy of Faith by Samuel Taylor
Winter 2017 Winners!
Grand Prize Winner!
The Heart of a Tiger VI by SreyRam Kuy
Finalists
The Chariots of Motown by Christopher Sansone
Gideon by Randall Hahn
Semi-Finalists
The Jihadist’s Opera by Salil Kapoor
The Joby Project by Michael Long
Bad Christians by Tyler Straessle
Perceptions by Lou Mulford
Halfway Home by David Schroeder
Resurrection by Christina Shaver
Heaven’s Light by Barry Pagel
A Private War by Christine Inserra
Finding Beauty by George Anson
Split Rock by Kyle Hammersmith
Perfect Contrition by James Palmer
LevelLand by George Anson
The Translator by Al Sproles
Bronze by Kerri Weston
Emails from Heaven by Carissa Steefel
Inglorious Pastors by Tom Riffel
Always Something There to Remind Me by Terry Gau
Cadillac Arrest by John Kestner
Whispering Hope by Alvin Easter
Aflame by Deena Martinelli
Perfidies by William Baber
The Hollow by Abigail Taylor Sansom
The Fallen Angels by Charles Kowalski
Resurrection, Nevada by Noelle Nelson
Quest for Light by Byron Anderson
Good Again by Jeanne Dukes
Arizona Sunrise by John Martins III
"If you've got a screenplay where faith plays a part in your story. Then Faith in Film: International Family and Faith Screenwriting Competition is the contest for you... It will get exposure to top faith based production companies."
"Thank you Faith in Film for all that you do for emerging writers to help promote our projects. I was very excited to receive a call from your team to notify me of my prize. Also, Janet Lee is the absolute best director - making everything run smoothly. I look forward to more wonderful connections through Faith in Film!"
"Thank you Faith in Film!"
Summer 2017 Winners!
Grand Prize Winner!
Burden Stone by Bill Ray, Emilee Danielson, and Chris Danielson.
Finalists
Even a Just Man by Mark Christopher Boyd
Quest for Light by Byron Anderson
Kick Back by RC Atchisson
"Loved it. Really cool projects and people."