KICFF PRESENTS & RISE UP TENNESSEE
KICFF on Club 36
Rob Ekno was blessed to be the guest on Club 36 with Dorothy Spaulding on WBPI TV49 in Augusta, GA on March 12 to promote upcoming episodes of KICFF Presents TV show, which is part of the Knoxville International Christian Film Festival, along with RiseUP Tennessee. Don't miss this engaging show that highlights the spirit of the Christian film festival by clicking the tab below.
KICFF at RiseUP Tennessee
The KNOXVILLE INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN FILM FESTIVAL is dedicated to showcasing the most innovative and thought-provoking faith-based films from around the globe. Join us for the KICFF at RiseUP Tennessee, April 10-11 at the Music Road Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, TN. We’ll feature two, three-hour showcases of award-winning films as part of our KICFF, which are FREE to attend for everyone with a paid admission to the 2026 RiseUP Tennessee. For tickets and more information, please click the tab below.
2025 KICFF Fall of Faith
Submissions for the 2025 KICFF Fall of Faith were received from across the globe, including Japan, Mexico, Spain, Canada, Switzerland, Malta, Palestine, Iran, Germany, and throughout America. Awardees are listed on our AWARDS page. Select Awardees will have their projects aired on an upcoming episode of our KICFF Presents… award-winning, weekly TV show on WBPI TV49, Abundant TV, and/or at the 2026 RiseUP Tennessee, at the Music Road Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, TN between April 10-11. Thank you to each of you who submitted to and supported the KICFF.
KICFF Presents
We are blessed to showcase our weekly, award-winning, 30-minute TV episodes on Watchmen Broadcasting in Augusta, GA, along with their numerous affiliates, plus, Abundant TV. The shows highlight the incredible works of awardees from the KICFF. Exciting times are happening at the KICFF! Visit our TV SHOW page for upcoming episodes and to catch replays of the shows on our YouTube Channel @KICFF Presents.
kicff nashville networking
Cashing in on Nashville
Looking to expand the reach of the Christian International Film Festival, Founding Director Rob Ekno made his way to Music City recently for the 'Summit of Wealth' seminar. Rob was blessed to meet with Tony Bradshaw, Director of the TN Christian Chamber of Commerce, and Stephanie Putnam of the USCCC. It was an inspiring day of connecting with individuals using their talents to honor God, much like those showcased at the Christian Film Festival. Thank you, Stephanie, for my admission.
Good Southern Cooking
Hanging with Mark McFerran, Program Director of 'The Cookery' restaurant in Nashville, was one of the fabulous blessings I experienced at the Christian International Film Festival. KICFF award-winning filmmaker Erin Tillman submitted a brilliant student film titled: 'The Cookery,' which we showcased at RiseUP Con in June 2025, part of the Christian movie festival circuit. It was great to meet someone from The Cookery, a remarkable establishment run by former inmates, homeless individuals, and addicts, all living the next chapter of their lives. Thank you, Mark, for the amazing Cinnamon Rolls!
celebrating KICFF in georgia
BJ & Cameron
I was blessed to fellowship with BJ & Cameron Arnett at CAPS Studios in Roberta, GA, discussing the upcoming Christian International Film Festival, also known as the KICFF. Thank you, BJ & Cameron, for your time and insights about this exciting Christian movie festival, which is part of the Knox Film Festival.
Dr. Amy, Richard, & Retha
Watching the premiere of the KICFF Presents… TV show at CAPS Studios was an inspiring experience shared with new friends: Dr. Amy McKenzie (Co-owner of CAPS Studios), Author/Entrepreneur Richard Lopresto, and Author Rhetha Evans Ezell. It was a very blessed time together, celebrating our shared passion for the Christian International Film Festival and the impact of the Christian movie festival on the community, including the Knox Film Festival.
Alex
I feel blessed that Director/Actor Alex Kendrick took time at CAPS Studios to allow me to share our story about the KICFF, the Christian International Film Festival. Thank you, Alex, for your kindness in supporting our mission for the Christian movie festival and the Knox Film Festival.
Retha & Sylvia
Retha & Sylvia are true Prayer Warriors. They prayed over me for continued success with the Christian International Film Festival and sponsorships for our KICFF Presents… TV show, part of the Christian movie festival circuit. I ended up on the floor through the power of their prayers. Thank you, Retha & Sylvia.
Doug
Doug Stroup is the COO of CAPS Studios. We had a very engaging talk about the Christian International Film Festival and possible future ventures related to the Christian movie festival and Knox Film Festival. Thank you, Doug.
Dr. Nancy J. & Angela
TV host Dr. Nancy J. Lewis and Theatrical Producer Angela Onuzo graciously invited me to the annual All Nations Celebration at Resurrection Church in Union City, GA, which is part of the vibrant community surrounding the Christian International Film Festival. It was a glorious day filled with live performances, fellowship, and delicious food. Thank you, Dr. Nancy J. & Angela, for a wonderful experience that reflects the spirit of the Christian film festival.
2025 Spring KICFF rising up
THE BELIEVER
Thank YOU, Adam Phelps of RiseUP Con, for believing in the mission of the KICFF, the Christian International Film Festival, to showcase the works of creative Christians honoring God in “The Spirit of Excellence & Service.” We truly appreciate you blessing us with more than seven hours to present projects from filmmakers across America and Canada at the Music Road Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, TN. The feedback we’ve received has been incredibly inspiring. You and your team were extremely welcoming and helpful in assisting us to make it a great first-time experience at the Christian Movie Festival. We hope to team up again soon for the Knox Film Festival!
THE TEAM
Thank YOU, Ladies of the 2025 Spring KICFF, our beloved Christian film festival. You were each so giving of your time and talents in helping to make this a spectacular and memorable event for filmmakers of all levels at the Christian international film festival.
Ava Hawk (L) spent countless hours creating social media marketing materials, award-show graphics, and award certificates for our Christian movie festival. Plus, she blessed us by performing our National Anthem and opening prayer at RiseUP Con, along with hosting Red Carpet interviews. Monique Cramer (C) was brilliant and insightful in her work judging many of the submissions. She also was a very valuable consultant and worked tirelessly to capture countless pictures from the Red Carpet and screenings at RiseUP Con. Randa Blackley (R) helped Rob Ekno form the initial foundation of the KICFF with her tireless work and dedicated service to God by creating our original marketing materials and award certificates, along with being a very valuable consultant and Red Carpet Host. God blessed the 2024 & 2025 KICFF’s, our cherished Knox film festival, with three of His most loyal servants.
2025 SPRING KICFF BLESSINGS
John Schlitt
Nikita Koloff
John Schlitt
John is best known for being the lead singer of the Christian rock band PETRA. He has one of the kindest and most humble hearts, and you can easily see the appreciation he has for the blessings and talent that God has provided him. Recently, John expressed his desire to assist Rob Ekno with the Christian International Film Festival, also
John is best known for being the lead singer of the Christian rock band PETRA. He has one of the kindest and most humble hearts, and you can easily see the appreciation he has for the blessings and talent that God has provided him. Recently, John expressed his desire to assist Rob Ekno with the Christian International Film Festival, also known as the KICFF, and told Rob to expect a call from his assistant. Thank you, John, for your commitment to supporting the Christian movie festival and for your kindness in helping others!
Josh Emerson
Nikita Koloff
John Schlitt
Josh is not only powerful in stature, but also in his walk with God. Like many actors in Hollywood are now doing, Josh is sacrificing bigger paychecks for his dedication to fulfilling his soul with meaningful projects in the faith-based genre. His welcoming personality truly shone at the 2025 Spring KICFF, part of the Christian Internatio
Josh is not only powerful in stature, but also in his walk with God. Like many actors in Hollywood are now doing, Josh is sacrificing bigger paychecks for his dedication to fulfilling his soul with meaningful projects in the faith-based genre. His welcoming personality truly shone at the 2025 Spring KICFF, part of the Christian International Film Festival, where he blessed attendees with his time and enlightening conversations, embodying the spirit of the Christian movie festival and the Knox Film Festival.
Kevin Sorbo
Nikita Koloff
Nikita Koloff
KICFF Founding Director Rob Ekno was blessed to first work with Kevin Sorbo on a movie in Hollywood years ago, before each left for greener pastures. As Kevin and Adam Phelps began the RiseUP Con in 2024, Rob simultaneously followed God’s lead and launched the KICFF, a prominent Christian film festival. This year, both groups collaborated
KICFF Founding Director Rob Ekno was blessed to first work with Kevin Sorbo on a movie in Hollywood years ago, before each left for greener pastures. As Kevin and Adam Phelps began the RiseUP Con in 2024, Rob simultaneously followed God’s lead and launched the KICFF, a prominent Christian film festival. This year, both groups collaborated for an incredibly blessed RiseUP Con, enhancing the experience of those attending the Christian international film festival and the Knox film festival.
Nikita Koloff
Nikita Koloff
Nikita Koloff
Former professional wrestling champion turned Man of God, Nikita, has a vibrant and straightforward personality when he discusses his relationship with the Lord. Alongside his former wrestling buddy, Lex Luger, Nikita runs a powerful Man Camp twice a year, aimed at helping small groups of men become better husbands, fathers, and community
Former professional wrestling champion turned Man of God, Nikita, has a vibrant and straightforward personality when he discusses his relationship with the Lord. Alongside his former wrestling buddy, Lex Luger, Nikita runs a powerful Man Camp twice a year, aimed at helping small groups of men become better husbands, fathers, and community leaders. This initiative aligns with the spirit of the Christian film festival, as it promotes values often highlighted at events like the Christian international film festival and the Knox film festival, which celebrate uplifting stories and moral growth, much like those showcased at a Christian movie festival.
A VERY SPECIAL RISEUP CON BLESSING
Monique & Jody
Jo-Ann “Jody” Wilhelm
Jo-Ann Wilhelm did extensive research and discovered that in 2024, at 84 years old, she wrote and directed “Letters To Stephanie,” making her the oldest first-time woman feature film director, EVER! Now 85, we were honored to present Jo-Ann with the Silver Medal for Feature Film at the Christian International Film Festival and bring her o
Jo-Ann Wilhelm did extensive research and discovered that in 2024, at 84 years old, she wrote and directed “Letters To Stephanie,” making her the oldest first-time woman feature film director, EVER! Now 85, we were honored to present Jo-Ann with the Silver Medal for Feature Film at the Christian International Film Festival and bring her on stage at RiseUP Con to recognize her for such an amazing accomplishment. She was beyond grateful for the award and blessed the KICFF with her inspiring and loving personality. Thank YOU, Jo-Ann, for showing us that it truly is NEVER too late to go after our dreams, especially in the world of film at a Christian movie festival like this one.
Jody & Ava
Jody & Ava
members of the WBPI production team
Director - Adam Kiss
THANK YOU
Special thanks to each of the wonderful folks who helped make our 2025 Spring KICFF Award Announcement Show a tremendous success, including Producer Jennifer Stripling, who guided us through the maze. We are especially grateful for the support within the Christian film festival community. And thank YOU, God, for continuing to open avenues
Special thanks to each of the wonderful folks who helped make our 2025 Spring KICFF Award Announcement Show a tremendous success, including Producer Jennifer Stripling, who guided us through the maze. We are especially grateful for the support within the Christian film festival community. And thank YOU, God, for continuing to open avenues for us to showcase the works of creative Christians honoring YOU in 'The Spirit of Service & Excellence' at events like the Christian International Film Festival and the Knox Film Festival.
Sound Engineer - Brantley Mathais III
Sound Engineer - Brantley Mathais III
Technical Director - Savannah
Rob & Dorothy - Club 36