Christians in the Media has won the grand jury prize at the 2nd Annual Ignite Film Festival with their film Love Thy Neighbour " a comical take on Proverbs 25:21-22.
Almost 1000 people filled the Sydney Town Hall on Saturday night for the Christian film festival that seeks to bring the word to light by encouraging Christians to make films that bring biblical truths to the big screen.
A panel of Christian film industry experts chose Love Thy Neighbour, co-directed by James Cogswell and Will Mitchell, as the winning film from a total of 14 finalists and 37 entries.
The film features a good neighbour who seeks to befriend his bad neighbour. It comes complete with a surprise twist ending that gives new meaning to "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat " in doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head and the Lord will reward you'.
Mr Cogswell says he was "extremely honoured' to win the Anne Bladon Gospel Award of $2500 and the "golden sparky' trophy.
"Several people put a huge amount of work into the film, so it's fantastic to receive this recognition, especially given the quality of entries this year," he says.
"Ignite and the Mary Bladon Fellowship give Christian film makers a rare opportunity to gain exposure for themselves and the Christian message. I'm really thankful for that."
Mr Mitchell, a television industry professional, valued the opportunity to submit a film for Ignite.
"James and I managed to gather a cast and crew who all work in film and TV or are studying to do so. While we enjoy working on our own projects it's especially exciting "working for the Lord'."
Calling Down Fire, directed by Joshua Yeo from Chinese Christian Church, Milsons Point won the people's choice award, which included the prize of a data projector.
Mr Yeo's Anime-style film was a musical presentation of the account of Elijah in 1 Kings.
"We were flipping through the Bible and came across this passage and I wrote the song that night," he says.
"We called in guys who played different instruments to make song and at the same time I was busy animating all these scenes."
Mr Yeo says the process of making the film has given him opportunities to discuss Christianity with his friends.
"While making it I showed it to my non-Christian uni friends and they found it enjoyable. That really created gospel opportunities. This film was helpful in starting so many good conversations."
Along with the seven category winners, the inaugural "bright spark' award was given to Annandale Community Church for the film The Wise and Foolish Builders which was written, directed and performed by children from their Kids Plus kids club.
One of the stars, Gemma Pearce, 8, has no doubt as to the film's main point taken from Jesus' parable in Matthew 7:25-7.
"My character put her trust in God who is the rock ... when you build your house on the rock it is all secure," she says.
Ignite Film Festival Director Marcus Cheong is thrilled with the response from Christian filmmakers.
"The word was brought to light in all the films. They stood out and spoke biblical truths from Genesis to the gospels," he says.
"It was a great festival. There was lots of excitement and surprises in finding out who the winners were and the voting was extremely close."
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Photos courtesy Paul Mock
