PITCH YOUR FAITH-BASED SHORT FILM

Get Mentorship, Community and a Grant of ₦1,000,000 to make it

Young Nigerian Residents Only (aged 18 to 30)

IMPORTANT: FIRST READ THE "HOW TO ENTER" SECTION BEFORE APPLYING TO AVOID DISQUALIFICATION

STORIES OF LIGHT

OUR MAIDEN EVENT FOR FAITH-BASED FILMMAKERS IN NIGERIA

EVENT DATE

JANUARY 17TH

TIME

11AM - 1PM WAT

LOCATION

ZOOM - ONLINE

PITCH SUBMISSION DEADLINE

5TH JANUARY 2025

ABOUT THE EVENT

“You don't want to miss this”

  • A live virtual Zoom gathering and film challenge for young Nigerian filmmakers (18 - 30) called to tell faith-centred stories.

  • A space to learn, ask questions, and be encouraged to use your gifts for God with excellence.

  • Community: Meet peers who share your calling and vision.

WHAT TO EXPECT

“There's a lot to unpack”

  • Practical filmmaking fundamentals and faith-based storytelling approaches.

  • Honest conversation: Real talk about challenges - resources, models, funding - and how to start where you are.

  • Q&A: Get your questions answered in a down-to-earth, supportive environment.

  • Announcement: Winner of the film challenge is revealed live.

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?

EMPOWERMENT

To empower a few young Nigerian filmmakers with faith-filled vision

COMMUNITY

To build a community that shares values of excellence and purpose

FUNDING

To fund faith-driven films that point hearts to God

VISIBILITY

To remind every creative that light is not subtle - it shines

FILM IS MINISTRY

The scriptures say "...go into ALL the world". There's never been a more opportune time to fulfil this mandate.

At H.S.IDEAS we believe all good gifts come from God for His purposes. As filmmakers, He gave us this powerful gift and He desires for us to use it meaningfully.

We understand that faith-based films are not for everybody and that's ok but for those who feel this tug in their hearts, here's an important question to ponder:

IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE CHANCE TO SPEAK TO A STRANGER YOU WOULD NEVER MEET AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?

This is what our films do daily, they get seen by people we may never meet. What message would we like them to take away?

Filmmakers all over the world face several layers of struggles:

  • Financial Limitations

  • Lack of Mentorship

  • Feeling Alone

  • No Community

  • Lack of Proper Training

  • Unsure Where to Begin

We understand all of the above. Recently, it became clear that something needed to be done - no matter how small.

There are so many filmmakers and entrepreneurs out there already making a contribution in tackling these issues. This is our own little contribution to the beautiful work that is already being done.

We have a desire to empower young Christian creatives who feel called to tell faith stories unapologetically and with excellence.

who are we?

We are filmmakers who simply wish to bring our own little contribution to Kingdom Come in media through Faith Driven Narratives.

SOME PAST PROJECTS

From the heart of the audience

Real people. Real encounters. Real impact.
Here’s what audiences around the world are saying about our past faith films.

HOW TO ENTER

  • STEP 1 — CREATE A VIDEO (3 MINUTES MAX) with the following:

    • Start with your name, share your faith background and motivation for faith-based filmmaking

    • Tell us one key struggle you’re facing in relation to filmmaking and how this event/challenge could help.

    • Time for your short film pitch

      • THEME: MATTHEW 5:14 - your story idea must capture the essence of this passage of scripture.

        • Include: Title, Logline (1–2 sentences), Synopsis, how/why this story glorifies God and your plan to execute it in 8 - 12 weeks after the event, if you get the grant.

        • Note: Your pitch is for a short film that will be 3 - 5 minutes max if you get the grant to make it

    • Upload this video to YouTube as Unlisted

  • STEP 2 — SIGN UP FOR THE EVENT

    • Read the Rules & Terms

    • Click Here to Register for the event, complete the registration form accurately and paste your pitch video YouTube link from STEP 1

    • Submit your application

    • Add event date to your calendar

  • STEP 4 — FOLLOW SOCIALS

    • Follow H.S.IDEAS on Instagram and subscribe on YouTube for updates and any

    • Stay connected for any announcements

  • STEP 5 — WATCH FOR UPDATES

    • You’ll receive a confirmation email. The Zoom link will be sent closer to the event date

    • Grant Winner will be announced live during the event

JUDGING CRITERIA

  • Clarity of idea: Clear logline, concise synopsis, and what the film is about in simple terms

  • Ministry alignment: How the story glorifies God and communicates a redemptive message

  • Originality and cultural authenticity: Fresh angle with Nigerian context that can travel

  • Story strength (as pitched): Compelling conflict, stakes, and intended resolution

  • Director’s vision: How you plan to tell it (tone, style, key visuals, performances)

  • Feasibility: Realistic to make in 8 - 12 weeks with ₦1,000,000; practical plan outlined

  • Audience and impact intent: Who it’s for and how it should edify or inspire viewers

  • Pitch delivery: Confident, structured, within 3 minutes; clear audio/video

  • Values and ethics: Respectful handling of sensitive themes; avoids cliché moralizing or sensationalism

  • Fit for HSIDEAS: Alignment with our channel’s standards and community guidelines

A city set upon a hill cannot be hidden.

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