Award Categories Student Film Festival Information All of the awards are judged on quality of the production values, storytelling and Christian content, but to help you understand the distinctions between categories, here is a quick list of the criteria. Best Short Film Best short film reflecting a Christian world-view. Production must be twenty (20) minutes or less. Best Children's Film This category is for the young and young at heart. The criteria is that the movie be targeting children aged 12 and under and is judged on how well it hits the mark in both quality and message. Best Curriculum Best curriculum is determined by how well the production manages to create interesting subject matter and stimulate thought and interaction. This is for products that are designed to teach people, whether a single title or a series. It must be accompanied by printed discussion or interactive materials, and will be judged on the merits of that material as well as the video. Best Series This category can be any genre - whether for children, youth or adults. The voting is all about how well each episode is produced and appears to fit together as a whole. Submissions must be accompanied by promotional literature outlining the series. Best Comedy Best comedy can be either a stand-up act that has been filmed, a comedy drama or even a documentary if it deals within the realm of aiming at the lighter side of life. Best Music Video This category covers either the short music video or a music concert or inspirational production. Music must be the primary focus of the production. Best International Film We are encouraging production of films shot in any language other than English. The videos can be sub-titled or dubbed, but must have been originally made for a non-English speaking audience. Best Youth Film This is all about what film is the best one for the youth. It is important that it be judged on content (as it pertains to teens ages 13-19), as well as quality of production. Best Evangelistic Film This category is looking for the film that best conveys the pure message of the gospel to a non-believer. It can take any form, but what is important is how effectively it communicates the good news. Best Screenplay Best screenplay focuses on how well the film was written if a drama or, if in the case of a documentary, how well the material is chosen, written and put together. Either genre can win this category. Best Documentary Under 50K The best documentary category is judged both on choice of subject matter as well as how it is put together to convey the message to the audience. Best Documentary Over 50K The best documentary category is judged both on choice of subject matter as well as how it is put together to convey the message to the audience. Best Drama Under 250K The best drama under two hundred fifty thousand goes to a dramatic film that does the finest job of telling a story – both in quality and execution. Best Drama Over 250K This category is the same as best drama under two hundred fifty, but is limited to those that cost more than two hundred fifty thousand dollars. Best Picture Any film can be nominated for this category - regardless of its genre. This is simply the one movie considered to be the best all-around production of the year. President's Award The president's award is given at the sole discretion of the current ICVM president. It seeks to thank a particular individual for contributions 'above and beyond the call of duty' to the organization and thereby recognize excellence in Christian service. We leave it up to your own honesty in regard to the budget distinction, and hope this delineation will spark even more competition in both categories. A 'foreign' film is also eligible for any other categories that would apply to it.    Best Student Film ICVM is committed to the development of young filmmakers who want to use their skills to honor God. This category is for films CREATED BY STUDENTS (not for professional productions made for students). There is small entry fee of $35 for this category as long as the film is not being distributed. If the title is currently being distributed, the regular application fee will apply. There is a maximum length of 20 minutes for this category. For questions or more information contact Paul Marks at paul.marks@icvm.com.