Organizers of the 20th Annual 168 Film Project are celebrating a new home and a new collaboration with Angel Studios for this year’s faith-based film production competition, with a Sept. 4 deadline for entry. Artists can learn more at www.168film.com.

Named for the number of hours in a one-week production, the 168 Film Project last year relocated from Los Angeles to Fayetteville, Ga., teeing up the 2023 festival to take place near Trilith Studios for the second time. This year the 168 Film Project is collaborating with film distributor Angel Studios. 

Members of the 100,000 voter “Angel Guild” will review up to 10 of the 168 Film Project short film entries for potential development, funding, and distribution as greenlighted feature films or TV series.

Angel Studios, a leading producer of faith-based content including $150M earner, "Sound of Freedom" and "The Chosen," a portrayal of Jesus and his disciples, are making waves on the WB Network.

“Our festival’s proximity to Trilith, the country’s second largest studio, and the Angel Studios collaboration dramatically elevate the stakes for entrants to both our speed film competition, and all other entry types,” said 168 Film Project Founder and Director, John David Ware. 

Upon invitation, top films may become a “Torch” in the Angel Guild system. Torches receive an aggregate score from the Angel Guild, a community of hitmakers from around the world, that choose the titles that Angel Studios will distribute next. Learn moreat 168film.com/news-events/angel-faq.  

“Angel Studios sends its best wishes to all submissions of the 168 Film Project, and we are excited for the Angel Guild to screen the top creators,” said Angel Studios SVP of Global Distribution, Jared Geesey. 

Filmmakers enter to compete by Sept. 4 at 168film.com/project. The speed film pre-production (writing, casting, etc.) is Sept. 5-15, followed by production week, Sept. 15-22.  

168 Film Project submissions are judged based on quality of story, filmmaking, and “Scriptural Integration,” i.e., how well the film is built on a foundational bible verse. All entry types are eligible, including Speed Film/Student Speed, Alumni, Write of Passage, Documentary, KidVid, Animation, and Proof of Concept. See all 168 Film Project entry categories at 168film.com/film-project/entry-types. 

“Newbies should consider the speed film contest, and established artists could either submit a speed film entry or look more closely at the new ‘Proof of Concept’” category, said Ware.

Submission to the Angel Studios Guild does not guarantee funding or distribution.