Orlando, FL — The 13th Annual International Christian Film & Music Festival (ICFF), held from May 1–4, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton at SeaWorld in Orlando, brought together faith-driven storytellers, artists, and creatives from across the globe to celebrate a powerful year of Christian filmmaking. Among the many deserving honorees, one film stood out above the rest—My 7 Grandmas, which took home the festival’s top honor: Best Picture, along with the Best Director award for Johnick Petry.
A Film That Captured the Heart of the Festival
My 7 Grandmas is more than a clever title—it’s a heartfelt cinematic experience that explores identity, heritage, and the spiritual wisdom passed down through generations. The story follows a young woman navigating a personal loss, only to discover that her spiritual inheritance is greater than she imagined—embodied in the lives and love of seven grandmothers from diverse cultural and denominational backgrounds.
Directed masterfully by Johnick Petry, whose vision and storytelling prowess also earned him the Best Director award, the film resonated with audiences and judges alike for its authentic performances, rich themes of faith and family, and its uplifting message of legacy and healing. In a world hungry for connection and purpose, My 7 Grandmas reminded viewers that spiritual roots often grow in the quiet strength of those who came before us.
Highlights from the 13th Annual ICFF
In addition to the acclaim for My 7 Grandmas, the festival honored outstanding talent across various categories, celebrating filmmakers, musicians, actors, and creatives who are advancing the Gospel through the arts.
While the full list of winners can be found at InternationalCFF.org, the top awards included:
• Best Picture – My 7 Grandmas
• 2nd Place Best Picture – God’s Here
• 3rd Place Best Picture – The Book of Joshua: Walls of Jericho
Each entry showcased at ICFF reflected a commitment to storytelling that uplifts, inspires, and glorifies God.
ICFF Angel Awards to Broadcast on National Television
For those who missed the live event in Orlando, the excitement continues with a national broadcast of the ICFF Angel Awards on the Christian Television Network (CTN). Tune in to celebrate the festival’s top moments:
June 13th at 7:00 PM
June 14th at 7:30 PM
These broadcasts will give audiences across the country the chance to witness the inspiring stories, emotional speeches, and Kingdom impact that defined this year’s festival.
Looking Ahead: ICFF 2026
The momentum continues as the ICFF team looks forward to its 14th Annual Festival, scheduled for April 29 – May 2, 2026, once again at the DoubleTree at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida. Submissions are now open, and filmmakers are encouraged to take advantage of early bird pricing and secure their spot at the world’s largest Christian film and music festival.
A Celebration of Purpose-Driven Creativity
The success of My 7 Grandmas is more than a cinematic achievement—it is a reflection of the growing power and relevance of faith-based filmmaking. Through its multi-generational lens, the film captured the essence of ICFF: honoring God through creativity, inspiring audiences, and building bridges between cultures through the Gospel.
As the curtain closes on this year’s festival, one thing is clear: stories grounded in faith, told with excellence, and driven by truth will always have the power to change lives.
