CIFF 2018 Overview
The 2nd annual Canadian International Faith & Family Film Festival (CIFF) took place at Innis College | University of Toronto September 14th-16th 2018 and continued to make its mark with an over the top group of nominated films from around the world. CIFF 2018 had 177 submissions from which 70 selections were made, leading to 35 final nominations in 11 award categories as outlined below.
Categories of films included Features, Documentaries, Shorts, Revival Films, Family Films, Music Videos, Screenplays & New Media. Entries received were from 22 countries, including Canada, United States, China, Australia and Brazil. The Sunday night awards show was streamed live and produced for syndication. The festival concluded on Sunday with a Red Carpet Premiere of directors’ Jon and Andrew Erwin’s “I Can Only Imagine” from Lions Gate/Mission Pictures featuring a stellar performance by Dennis Quaid who was nominated for best supporting actor. The inspiring true story behind MercyMe's beloved, chart topping song that brings ultimate hope to so many is a gripping reminder of the power of true forgiveness. Saturday’s red carpet night was equally exciting with the Canadian premiere of “Unbroken: Path To Redemption” from Pure Flix/Universal, based on Laura Hillenbrand's bestselling book. This film begins where Unbroken ends of Olympian and World War II hero Louis Zamperini's powerful true story of forgiveness, redemption, and amazing grace.
The Saturday afternoon weekend panel open discussion included an all star faith film industry Q&A with Star Wars Academy Award winner Roger Christian, producer Cindy Bond of Mission Pictures International, director Christopher Bessette, TV executive Isaac Hernandez of UpLiftTV/Parables, producer and film historian Paul Burford and screenwriter John Patus of Left Behind.
Notable projects screened included Feature Films “The Identical” with Ray Liotta and Ashley Judd, “Trade of Innocence” with Mira Sorvino and Dermot Mulroney; Documentary “Genesis: Paradise Lost; France’s celebrated short film “Alice in the Sky with Comets” with Lionel Abelanski and Emma Bergeron; U.S. family award winning feature F.R.E.D.I.; and a special presentation screening of Jason Barbeck’s and Rafael Kalamat’s “Adams Testament”.
Art Hindle received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the Canadian film and television industry for over 45 years.
The Faith Achievement Award was presented to Cindy Bond for her contribution to the faith film industry.
The 2018 CIFF festival wrapped up with a live awards show that included fourteen “Tower of Faith” awards, a wide variety of celebrity presenters and performances by Juno nominated singer Steph Carse and Nashville legend Wade “Elvis” Cummins.
CIFF 2019 will be even greater! Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated as the 2019 program develops. Film submissions close on August 1 and the complete lineup of films will be released by August 15, 2019. Better still, commit to attending the full festival and secure your tickets NOW