Filmmakers Taiwo Egunjobi and Segilola Ogidan will join theatre and film director Dr Abiodun Akinsiku on the jury of the inaugural Christian Faith International Film Festival Nigeria, scheduled to hold in Lagos in December.
The festival, founded by filmmaker Moses Ipadeola, will take place on December 18 and 19 at The iVTH Experience Cinema in Yaba, with awards to be presented in five competitive categories.
Akinsiku, a theatre scholar, director and producer, will lead the three-member panel, which will assess entries for Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Best African Film, Best Acting Ensemble and the Social Impact Award.
The organisers said the festival would provide a platform for films that explore Christian faith, human dignity and positive social impact.
“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 said.
The festival is open to independent filmmakers in Nigeria, other African countries and the rest of the world. Eligible submissions include narrative, documentary, animated and experimental films.
The submission deadline has been extended to October 25, while filmmakers whose works are selected are expected to be notified on November 15. Entry is free, and submissions are being received through Festhome.
Egunjobi, whose credits include In Ibadan, All Na Vibes, A Green Fever and The Fire and the Moth, said he joined the jury because he believed in the festival’s vision and the need to support Christian filmmakers.
“As a juror, I will be looking for thematic resonance, visual power and strong performances: how effectively a film communicates its themes, uses its visual language, and brings truth and depth to its characters,” he said.
Ogidan, an actress, writer and director whose credits include The Men’s Club, A Naija Christmas, Glamour Girls and Over the Bridge, said she would prioritise clarity and courage in storytelling.
“Scripture says, ‘Write the vision, and make it plain.’ That’s what I’m looking for as a juror: stories told with clarity and courage, stories that move hearts and honour the Author of every story,” she said.
Akinsiku said film’s ability to reproduce reality made it a useful medium for communicating faith-based messages.
“Film, amongst other arts, replicates reality closely; a faith-based film festival like this hence gives a transference of light through the lens,” he said.
The festival’s launch adds another platform to Nigeria’s film calendar, with its organisers seeking to promote Christian-themed productions and give filmmakers working in the genre greater visibility.
Ipadeola, who also directs the Ibadan Indie Film Awards, founded the festival to celebrate, develop and promote faith-based filmmaking.
The organisers said the festival hopes to build an international platform for stories that combine faith, human dignity and social impact.
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