All of the nominations are judged by professionals in the visual media industry. Judging is based on quality of the production, storytelling and Christian content. To help you understand the distinctions between categories, a quick list of the criteria is below. There must be at least two submissions, by two different producers in any given category for an award to be presented. NOTE: The submission fee in 2010 will be $75 to enter a limit of THREE categories. See the registration page for details.

Best Picture
Any film may be nominated for this category - regardless of its genre. This is simply the one movie considered to be the best all-around production of the year.

Best Drama Over 250K
This category is the same as best drama under two hundred fifty, but is limited to those that cost more than two hundred fifty thousand dollars.

Best Documentary Over 50K
The best documentary category is judged both on choice of subject matter as well as how it is put together to convey the message to the audience.

Best Evangelistic Film
This category is looking for the film that best conveys the pure message of the gospel to a non-believer. It can take any form, but what is important is how effectively it communicates the good news.

Best Youth Film
This is all about what film is the best one for the youth. It is important that it be judged on content (as it pertains to teens ages 13-19), as well as quality of production.

Best Children's Film
This category is for the young and young at heart. The criteria is that the movie be targeting children aged 12 and under and is judged on how well it hits the mark in both quality and message.

Best Curriculum
Best curriculum is determined by how well the production manages to create interesting subject matter and stimulate thought and interaction. This is for products that are designed to teach people, whether a single title or a series. It must be accompanied by printed discussion or interactive materials, and will be judged on the merits of that material as well as the video.

Best Drama Under 250K
The best drama under two hundred fifty thousand goes to a dramatic film that does the finest job of telling a story – both in quality and execution.

Best Documentary Under 50K
The best documentary category is judged both on choice of subject matter as well as how it is put together to convey the message to the audience.

Best Series
This category can be any genre - whether for children, youth or adults. The voting is all about how well each episode is produced and appears to fit together as a whole. Submissions must be accompanied by promotional literature outlining the series.

Best International Film
We are encouraging production of films shot in any language other than English. The videos can be sub-titled or dubbed, but must have been originally made for a non-English speaking audience. In 2010, ICVM will be awarding a $1,000 cash prize for the Best International Film.

Best Comedy
Best comedy can be either a stand-up act that has been filmed, a comedy drama or even a documentary if it deals within the realm of aiming at the lighter side of life.

Best Short Film
Best short film reflecting a Christian world-view. Production must be twenty (20) minutes or less.

Best Music Video
This category covers either the short music video or a music concert or inspirational production. Music must be the primary focus of the production.

President's Award
The President's Award is given at the sole discretion of the current ICVM President. It seeks to thank a particular individual for contributions above and beyond the call of duty to the organization and thereby recognize excellence in Christian service.

Best Student Film
ICVM is committed to the development of young filmmakers who desire to use their skills to honor God. This category is for films CREATED BY STUDENTS (not for professional productions made for students). There is small entry fee of $25 for this category as long as the film is not being distributed. If the title is currently being distributed, the regular application fee will apply. If the student attends the conference, the $25 entry fee will be applied towards the $275 student registration fee. There is a maximum length of 20 minutes for this category. In 2010, ICVM will be awarding cash prizes of $2,000 for first (gold), $1,500 for second (silver) and $1,000 for third (bronze). For more information contact Paul Marks at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .