Mediasphere Africa 2026 Agenda

MediaSphere Africa 2026 is a one-day virtual continental gathering designed to ignite, equip, and elevate a new generation of African Christian filmmakers & storytellers. This very interactive online experience brings together filmmakers, content creators, distributors, media innovators & investors, ministry leaders, and industry professionals who believe in the power of film to shape culture and communicate His message of hope across borders. 

Held entirely virtually for maximum accessibility, MediaSphere Africa offers a dynamic blend of inspiration and practical empowerment—featuring transformative keynote sessions, technical workshops, strategic networking rooms, and opportunities for cross-African collaboration.

ICVM & CEVMA Presents

MediaSphere Africa 2026

Agenda

Saturday, January 24, 2026
11am WAT – 7pm WAT (West Africa Time)
Virtual Conference (Zoom)
Hosts: Grace Heller & Chim Onyebilanma

Welcome & Opening Remarks

MediaSphere Africa formal introduction & housekeeping
Hosts: Chim Onyebilanma & Grace Heller

Keynote: The State of African Media & Film Growth

Audience First: From Idea to Screen Domestically and Internationally

Speaker: Ben Wiener (French Producer & Entrepreneur)

Break / Networking

Virtual breakout room networking

Producer / Financial Realities: "Hard Truths for Filmmakers"

Speaker: Paul Sirmons (ICVM President)

"What is a Christian Film? (Overt/Covert)"

Panelists: Ewoma Luther Abegunde, Matrid Nyagah, Damilola Mike Bamiloye, and John Oguntuase
Moderator: Bright Wonder 

Distribution in Africa (Fireside Chat)

Speaker: Moses Babatope (CEO Nile Media Entertainment).
Moderator: Ewoma Luther Abegunde,

AI Impact on the Film Industry.

Speaker: R2 (CIO of Way Cool People), Eric Célérier (Founder, Jesus.net, the Hello Bible App, and Global Ambassador for The Chosen)
Moderator: Marc Harper (Veteran Media & Distribution Strategist)

Break / Networking

Virtual breakout room networking

Masterclass: Faith in Film Making

Speaker: Mike Bamiloye

Film Distribution Strategies Panel

Panelists: Joshua K. Carpenter (Global Content), Trushna Buddhdev-Patel (Co-Founder & CEO, Yakwetu), and Chris Odeh (CEO, Sozo Films)
Moderator: Brian Kelley

Empowering the Next Generation of Christian Storytellers in Africa

Speaker: Stephen Kendrick (Producer)

Getting Great Actors or Making Them

Speaker: Beverly Holloway
Using Casting, directors, finding talent, and improving acting quality

Investor Showcase (Shark Tank Style Pitch Event)

Presenters: Chim Onyebikanma and Felix Bankole
Judges: Paul Sirmons, and Marc Harper
Moderator: Grace Heller

"Wrap-up" Session

Speaker: Rex Nwakamma

Exhibit Rooms

Home

MediaSphere Africa 2026 is a one-day virtual continental gathering designed to ignite, equip, and elevate a new generation of African Christian filmmakers & storytellers.

Register

Register today to attend MediaSphere Africa online summit Saturday, 24th January, 2026 from 11am WAT – 7pm WAT (West Africa Time)

Sponsor

This is your moment to make an impact. Let’s put your brand in the spotlight. Sponsorships align your vision with MediaSphere’s momentum. 

Exhibit

Host a 1-hour virtual exhibit showcasing your company at MediaSphere Africa Summit. Exhibits include your own company landing page.

MediaSphere Africa

Partners and Sponsors

Upcoming Events

Crown Awards

February 18. 2026

The longest-running faith-based film awards ceremony celebrates its 53rd annual year recognizing and promoting the very best in Christian production. We award 22 categories for every type of production with our awards ceremony held at NRB.  

MediaSphere

Summer 2026

MediaSphere is an online summit by ICVM bringing together our international community of storytellers, producers, distributors, and investors for a day filled with learning, innovation, and meaningful connections. 

Storytellers Conference

Sept. 30 – Oct 3, 2026

Our next 54th annual Storytellers Conference will take place in Orlando Florida. The event includes our Christian Film Market, Storyteller Pitch-A-Thon, Investor Pitch Showcase, Crown Awards finalist celebration, and more.

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