Kenyans set a new benchmark for excellence in filmmaking as the Christian short film, Where the River Divides, swept the maiden edition of the Africa International Christian Film Festival at Silverbird Cinemas, Abuja—winning Best Film along with six other awards. Inspired by a true story, the film follows a young man in 1979 Kenya who, after his baptism, returns to his village and faces a life-changing decision between his Christian faith and the traditional legacy of his father.
Produced by the Christian organization Christ In Youth (CIY) and directed by M.D. Neely, Where the River Divides was honored for its achievements in screenplay, sound design, cinematography, acting, directing, and evangelical film. The film powerfully explores themes of faith, sacrifice, and the courage to follow God’s calling.
Other winners at the festival included Forgiving The Nightmare, which took home awards for Best Editing and Best Foreign Film, and Lavender Hills, which was honored as Best Documentary Film.
Convened under the theme “God’s Creative Army” and led by AICFF Convener and Festival Director Bright Wonder Obinna Obasi, the festival brought together filmmakers, actors, producers, church leaders, distributors, creatives, media practitioners, and Christian storytellers from across Africa and beyond. Many participants described the gathering as a defining moment for faith-based storytelling on the continent, marking a new era of collaboration and inspiration within the Christian creative community.
The Africa International Christian Film Festival serves as a continental platform dedicated to advancing Christian and values-driven storytelling through film, media, training, collaboration, distribution, and industry development across Africa and beyond. Positioned as the gateway for faith-based films into Africa and the launchpad for African faith films to reach the world, AICFF is committed to nurturing a vibrant community of creatives and expanding the global impact of African Christian cinema.
