ABOUT THE KNOXVILLE INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN FILM FESTIVAL
The Knoxville International Christian Film Festival (KICFF) exists to honor Jesus Christ by celebrating films, documentaries, screenplays, music videos, and creative works that inspire faith, hope, redemption, and excellence.
What began as a simple vision has quickly grown into an international community of Christian filmmakers, writers, musicians, and storytellers who believe media can change lives.
Since opening for submissions on July 2, 2024, KICFF has welcomed entries from 27 U.S. states and 14 countries, spanning North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
In less than two years, the festival hosted three live award showcases in the Great Smoky Mountains while partnering with organizations including TN FilmCommUNITY and RiseUP Tennessee to celebrate outstanding Christian creativity.
Beyond the awards, KICFF is where friendships are formed, creative collaborations begin, ministries connect, and storytellers encourage one another to keep producing work that points audiences toward Christ.
The festival's impact now extends far beyond its annual events through the award-winning TV series, KICFF Presents. Airing throughout the week on Watchmen Broadcasting WBPI TV49 and Abundant TV, the program features award-winning films, filmmaker interviews, red-carpet coverage, inspiring conversations, and Christian music.
Episodes are also available on YouTube, extending these stories of faith, hope, and inspiration to audiences around the world.
Today, KICFF continues to grow with one unwavering mission: to encourage Christian storytellers, recognize excellence in faith-based media, and share the hope of Jesus Christ with audiences around the world.
THE VISION
The Knoxville International Christian Film Festival began after what founder Rob Ekno describes as "a mighty nudge from God."
After more than three decades in broadcasting, Hollywood, publishing, and Christian media, founder Rob Ekno sensed God calling him to create something more than another film festival.
The vision was simple: build a welcoming community where Christian filmmakers, screenwriters, musicians, and storytellers could be encouraged, celebrated, equipped, and connected while using their God-given gifts to glorify Him.
Today, that vision reaches audiences year-round through live events, international partnerships, award-winning television, and a growing global community of Christian storytellers.
KICFF has become far more than an annual festival—it serves as one of the outreach ministries of Master Shot Media, an international Christian media organization dedicated to using film, television, publishing, events, and personal testimony to share stories that inspire transformation through Jesus Christ.
Rob's own journey—from homelessness, addiction, and brokenness to more than 33 years of sobriety and a life devoted to serving Christ—continues to shape the heart of KICFF.
His passion is to remind every filmmaker that God can use a single story to encourage someone, restore hope, or even change a life.
As KICFF continues to grow, one truth remains at the center of everything it does:
Every story matters. Every filmmaker matters. Every life matters. And to God be all the glory.
Encouragement Along the Journey
As KICFF has grown, we've been deeply encouraged by the support and kind words we've received from filmmakers, ministry leaders, broadcasters, and public servants who recognize the importance of sharing faith through media.
One memorable example is the following letter of encouragement from President Donald J. Trump, acknowledging the work being done to promote God through the media arts.
KICFF Rising Up
THE BELIEVER
A Heartfelt Thank You to Adam Phelps & the RiseUP Con Team
Our sincere thanks to Adam Phelps and the entire RiseUP Con team for believing in the mission of the Knoxville International Christian Film Festival and partnering with us to honor God through The Spirit of Excellence & Service.
Their generosity in providing more than seven hours of programming at the beautiful Music Road Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, allowed KICFF to showcase inspiring projects from Christian filmmakers across the United States and Canada.
The response from filmmakers and attendees alike has been overwhelmingly encouraging, and we are deeply grateful for the warm hospitality, professionalism, and support shown by everyone at RiseUP Con.
Thank you for helping make KICFF's first appearance at RiseUP Con a truly memorable and successful experience. We look forward to many more opportunities to serve together for God's glory.
THE TEAM
The success of the Knoxville International Christian Film Festival live showcases was made possible by the dedication of many faithful volunteers. We are especially grateful for these three remarkable women, whose generous gifts, servant hearts, and unwavering commitment helped create an unforgettable experience for filmmakers from around the world.
Ava Hawk (Left) generously invested countless hours designing social media promotions, award-show graphics, and festival certificates. She also blessed our guests by leading the opening prayer, performing the National Anthem, and hosting engaging Red Carpet interviews with filmmakers and special guests.
Monique Cramer (Center) brought exceptional wisdom and creativity to the festival through her thoughtful judging of film submissions. She also served as a trusted consultant while tirelessly capturing photographs and videos from the Red Carpet, screenings, and special festival moments that will be treasured for years to come.
Randa Blackley (Right) played a vital role in helping Rob Ekno establish the foundation of the Knoxville International Christian Film Festival. Her faithful service included creating many of our original marketing materials and award certificates, providing invaluable counsel, and warmly welcoming filmmakers as a Red Carpet Host.
Each of these extraordinary women has used her unique talents to honor God through excellence and service. Their faithfulness has helped shape the spirit of the Knoxville International Christian Film Festival, and their contributions will continue to bless filmmakers and audiences for years to come.
To God be all the glory.