ACFF DOES NOT GIVE AWARDS - HOWEVER, IT DOES OFFER RECOGNITION

"Soli Deo gloria is a Latin term for Glory to God alone. It has been used by artists like Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, and Christoph Graupner to signify that their work was produced for the sake of praising God. As a doctrine, it means that everything is done for God's glory to the exclusion of mankind's self-glorification and pride. Christians are to be motivated and inspired by God's glory and not their own." (Wikipedia)

The "Soli Deo Gloria" recognition plaque (or SOLI™) will be given to one film from each category that (in the opinion of the judges) best exemplifies the ideal of "Glory to God Alone" and which is produced with excellence.

There are 6 entry categories:

• Narrative Feature
• Narrative Short
• Animated Feature
• Animated Short
• Documentary Feature
• Documentary Short

There will be up to 3 "Official Selections" in each category and (although unforeseen circumstances may occur) we will attempt to screen each selection during the festival.

Recipients of the SOLI™ recognition plaques will be announced at the festival's "Soli Deo Gloria" Celebration on the evening of Saturday, May 17, 2025.

STUDENT FILMS

There is a discounted entry fee for student films.

There will be up to 2 "Official Selections" in each film entry category for student films and we will attempt to screen each of these selections at the festival as well.

One student film per category will receive a special student SOLI™ recognition certificate and recipients of these certificates will also be announced at the festival's "Soli Deo Gloria" Celebration on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

CERTIFICATES OF EXCELLENCE

These certificates are given with the recognition that all gifts and talents come from God. And as Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, NIV),

The ACFF will present a "Recognition for Excellence" certificate to those cast and crew of SOLI™ plaque recipient films that (in the opinion of the judges) excel in the following crafts:

• Excellence in Acting - Lead Actor (narrative feature and short)
• Excellence in Acting - Lead Actress (narrative feature and short)
• Excellence in Acting - Supporting Actor (narrative feature and short)
• Excellence in Acting - Supporting Actress (narrative feature and short)
• Excellence in Directing (all categories)
• Excellence in Writing (all categories)
• Excellence in Cinematography (categories)
• Excellence in Editing (all categories)
• Excellence / Original Musical Score (all categories)

Nominations for certificates will be based on the credits as listed in the submitter's submission to filmfreeway.com.

RULES & TERMS

ACFF is open to all makers of independent Christian films.

The submitted film must glorify God AND His Son Jesus Christ.

Feature Films are 40:00 (and longer) total running time.

Short films are 39:59 (and shorter) total running time.

Films must have been completed after April 1, 2023 to be considered.

Films will be accepted by online entry and download only.

NOTES

1. Depending on submissions, some categories and areas may not receive recognition.
2. If you are unable to attend the festival to pick up your PLAQUE and you live within the continental United States, it will be mailed to you free charge (please note however that it may take SEVERAL MONTHS for you to receive it). If you live outside of the continental United States, there will be a substantial shipping charge which you will need to pay. We will email you the amount and you can let us know how to proceed, or if you prefer, we can email you a pdf SOLI™ document (suitable for framing) which you can print.
3. If you are unable to attend the festival to pick-up your CERTIFICATE(S), we will email you a pdf copy which you can print.
4. All rules, terms and festival schedule are subject to change without notice.