Join the burgeoning faith-driven storytelling community at the Knoxville International Christian Film Festival. Founded by media visionary Rob Ekno, this festival celebrates inspiring narratives of love, forgiveness, and divine purpose, such as Gregory David Solomon’s critically acclaimed ‘Unforgivable.’ Discover how filmmakers without large budgets are creating powerful, impactful Christian content, and connect with like-minded creators at our January networking event. This is your chance to contribute to and experience God’s work in film, as we celebrate Christian creativity and storytelling.
- Discover how Rob Ekno’s journey from Hollywood to Knoxville sparked a faith-filled movement, leading to the creation of the Knoxville International Christian Film Festival and opening doors for Christian storytelling.
- Explore the heartwarming stories of faith and redemption featured in the festival, including Gregory David Solomon’s “Unforgivable,” and learn how they emphasize themes of love, forgiveness, and sacrifice.
- Uncover the inspiring message behind the collaborative efforts of filmmakers at the festival, showcasing that impactful Christian content can be created without large budgets, driven by a passion to honor God.
- Join the conversation at the upcoming networking event on January 11th, where filmmakers can connect and share their testimonies, fostering a community dedicated to producing meaningful, faith-based creative work.
In the bustling world of Christian media, Rob Ekno’s adaptation of his 80,000-word book into the award-winning series “Cruising Toward Heaven” stands as a testament to God’s work in transforming lives and spreading His message. Garnering accolades in both Addiction Recovery and Christian literature, this series not only became a bestseller on Audible but also inspired collaborative, faith-based scripts. This journey is a beacon for Christians eager to witness and share Christ’s love and grace through creative avenues.
A Leap of Faith: From Hollywood to Knoxville
Rob’s story took a pivotal turn when he relocated from Hollywood to Knoxville, following a nudge from actress Randa Blackley. This move opened doors she never imagined, starting with the NRB convention in Nashville. There, Rob embraced new opportunities, including a TV appearance and an award at a Christian film festival. His story is a powerful reminder that God’s plans often surpass our understanding, weaving challenges and blessings into a tapestry of divine purpose.
The Birth of the Knoxville Christian Film Festival
With Randa’s and Monique Kramer’s invaluable support, Rob co-founded the Knoxville Christian Film Festival. This festival quickly attracted global submissions, all celebrating creativity while honoring God. The festival is not just about films; it’s a celebration of faith, forgiveness, and the myriad ways God moves in our lives. Among the standout submissions are Gregory David Solomon’s “Unforgivable,” which explores themes of love and sacrifice, and Bobby Lacer’s “Fighting the Fire,” a project that underscores the importance of sharing personal testimonies.
An Invitation to Create and Connect
The Knoxville International Christian Film Festival offers a rich tapestry of events, including auditions, performances, and a motivational speaker to inspire attendees. A highlight is Randa’s song “Blown Away,” (on YouTube) a piece that resonates with those seeking God’s presence in the creative process. The festival’s emphasis on faith-based creativity encourages participants to tell their stories without the need for large budgets, focusing instead on spiritual depth and impact.
For those with a passion for filmmaking, the upcoming networking event on January 11, 2025 is a golden opportunity. This event aims to connect filmmakers, share insights, and encourage meaningful creative work for God. Plans are also underway to interview award winners, providing them a platform to share how their faith fuels their artistic endeavors.
Sharing Your Testimony
Rob and his team invite you to join this movement. Whether you have a story to tell, a song to sing, or a film to create, your voice is vital. Family video submissions are welcomed, with awards focused on spiritual value, reminding us that every testimony is a testament to God’s unending love and grace.
In conclusion, Rob Ekno’s journey with “Cruising Toward Heaven” is more than a series; it’s a call to action for Christians everywhere. It encourages us to witness God’s work in our lives and share His message through the powerful medium of film. Let us embrace this opportunity to be creative vessels for His glory, showing the world the transformative power of faith.
Checklist for Being a Good Witness to Christ and Embracing Faith-Based Creativity
- Engage in Faith-Based Media:
- Explore and support Christian literature and media that emphasize themes of faith, forgiveness, and personal growth. Consider works like “Cruising Toward Heaven” and other similar faith-based narratives.
- Reflect on how these stories can deepen your understanding of God’s work in people’s lives and use them as conversation starters to share your faith.
- Participate in Christian Community Events:
- Attend faith-based events such as Christian film festivals or conventions, similar to the Knoxville International Christian Film Festival. These events can provide inspiration, community, and opportunities to witness God’s creativity through others.
- Look for local or virtual gatherings where you can connect with fellow believers and share your testimony.
- Support and Collaborate on Faith-Inspired Projects:
- Get involved in projects that highlight Christian values, such as films or music that share messages of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Collaborate with others in your community to create content that glorifies God.
- Encourage submissions of creative work that tell stories of faith and personal transformation, like those seen in the film festival submissions.
- Leverage Challenges as Testimonies:
- Reflect on your personal challenges and consider how they can serve as powerful testimonies to God’s grace and provision, much like the speaker’s experiences with logistical challenges leading to inspiration and support.
- Share these stories with others to demonstrate God’s active presence in your life and encourage others to see His work in their own circumstances.
- Network and Encourage Faith-Based Creatives:
- Attend networking events, such as the one on January 11th, to meet and encourage filmmakers and creatives who are dedicated to producing meaningful content for God.
- Consider how you can support or mentor others in their creative journeys, promoting projects that prioritize spiritual value and God’s message.
By following this checklist, you can actively participate in God’s work in the creative arts, being a good witness to Christ, and fostering a community that honors Him.
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