Film Festival Planning Guide

The 2026 Christian Film Festival Planning Guide is a comprehensive resource created to help filmmakers make informed, strategic decisions about festival submissions in the coming year. It provides detailed profiles of leading Christian film festivals across the United States and internationally, outlining what each event offers, who it serves best, and why it matters.

Beyond festival listings, the guide walks you through building a smart festival strategy—covering budgeting, geographic planning, networking, education, and distribution opportunities. It also includes practical timelines, real-world cost considerations, and four distinct festival strategies tailored to industry professionals, emerging filmmakers, regional creators, and international filmmakers.

Whether your goal is distribution, skill development, networking, or ministry impact, this guide equips you with the tools and clarity needed to approach the 2026 festival circuit.