Best Director Nominees 2023

Silent Night in Algona

 An author, Hornus is also an accomplished actor, director, producer and screenwriter who has more than a dozen feature films, shorts and two award-winning documentaries under his belt in various capacities.   His latest venture in the director’s chair is this year’s epic WWII home front drama, ‘Silent Night In Algona’ (Based on True Events). Filmed on location in Kossuth County, Iowa, the story unfolds with tensions and anger running high among some townsfolk in small-town America when the Army builds a huge German POW Camp in their midst.  Hornus and his wife live in mid-Michigan and have two grown children and two grandchildren. 

Imposter Pastor

  Micah is a Filmmaker and a Pastor from Raleigh, NC. He is passionate about involving the local church in telling stories through film.  His heart’s desire is to tell stories that strengthen families and challenge Christians to grow spiritually. He has experience in producing, directing, and screenwriting.

 Jesus Revolution

Director/Writer/Composer Brent McCorkle makes films that are known for their heartfelt and visually compelling storytelling. Prior to co-directing JESUS REVOLUTION, Brent co-wrote, co-edited, directed 2nd unit, and composed the original score on the Kingdom Story Company

Lionsgate hit; I CAN ONLY IMAGINE. The faith-based family film starred Dennis Quaid and J. Michael Finley was theatrically released in 2018 and grossed over $83 million at the box office.

Brent currently resides on a farm in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife, their five children, and goats!

 Miracle in Manchester

  Eddie McClintock was born in Canton, Ohio, and raised by his father Theodore "Ted" McClintock.  Eddie graduated with a degree in communications from Wright State University in Dayton and studied design in college. Eddie is a well-known actor, having appeared in over 100 television shows and film.  Miracle at Manchester is the first film Eddie has Directed. 

I'm Not Him

Steve Grimaldi is the writer/director of I’m Not Him. His prior film, Twelve, an inspirational Little League baseball movie, was released in 2019 and quickly became an “indie hit” and family favorite. He also wrote and produced The Word which was honored with the “Best Dramatic Feature” Grand Prize at the Manhattan Film Festival. Steve is scheduled to shoot his next feature, another inspirational family film titled The Greatest Ever, in June 2023. 

Running The Bases

As a Producer, Director, Family man, and passionate advocate for the loving grace of God, Marty Roberts walks a path of creative discovery and revelation. As one of the co-founders of UP2U Films, launched in 2012, he utilizes over two decades of professional experience for the glorification of God’s kingdom.  

 God's Not Here

Matthew Cichella, owner and CEO of Never Submit Entertainment is an award-winning director, producer and screenwriter.    "God’s Not Here”, he states is the most powerful and inspirational film he has ever created. It is truly all about spreading the word and message of God through heartbreak and triumph.  

Running The Bases

 In 1989, Jimmy Womble took a job in the mailroom at a large corporation called Electronic Data Systems (EDS). He soon found himself working in a small broadcast studio learning how to produce, direct and edit video. In a few short years, Jimmy was promoted to “Producer”. He honed his skills to the point where he was the most sought after producer for special projects that led him to work with the CEO and other executives. God reminded Jimmy of the anointing He had placed on his life as a musician. That same anointing was present in the videos that he produced. He began to wonder what these skills would eventually be used for. 

The Sound of Freedom

 Jesus Revolution

 Devotion