International Christian Visual Media Association

What International Christian Visual Media Association does

The International Christian Visual Media Association (ICVM) is a non-profit industry association founded in 1972 that serves Christian filmmakers, distributors, and media investors through events, awards, and a tiered membership program. Headquartered in Burke, Virginia with a 1-10 employee volunteer-led operating model, ICVM runs four primary product lines: the Crown Awards (the longest-running faith-based film awards, now in its 54th year with 28 categories), the annual Storytellers Conference in Orlando (which houses the Christian Film Market, Script & Story Pitch-A-Thon, Investors Lion's Den, and an Actor's Monologue Challenge), and the MediaSphere virtual summit franchise (including MediaSphere Africa launched in 2026). Membership is offered in three annual tiers (Individual, Small Organization up to 5 employees, and Large Organization) and includes discounted event access, free MediaSphere admission, and a professional directory.

Revenue is generated through four streams: recurring annual membership subscriptions, transaction-based event registration (e.g., $49 for non-member MediaSphere access), Crown Awards submission fees (with a 25% member discount), and corporate sponsorships structured across five tiers ranging from $500 Partner to $5,000 Platinum, supplemented by donations through a separate StorytellersICVM donation portal. Distribution partnerships with Angel Studios (board-level relationship), PureFlix, Faith Channel, and Inspire Media Group, plus royalty-bearing access to the Christian Film Market, give members direct pathways into theatrical, cable, and streaming channels. Underlying technology is lean: submission intake runs on the third-party Film Freeway platform, the website is a standard WordPress/Elementor stack, and no proprietary AI/ML, data, or SaaS assets are evident. The member base spans 20+ nations, with primary customer segments being Christian filmmakers/content creators, distributors seeking content, and investors looking for vetted faith-based projects.

Name

International Christian Visual Media Association

Legal name

International Christian Visual Media Association

Website

https://icvm.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

ICVM is a 50+ year non-profit association serving Christian filmmakers, distributors, and investors through the Crown Awards, the annual Storytellers Conference, MediaSphere virtual summits, the Christian Film Market, and a tiered membership program across 20+ nations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Christian Film Industry Association

akta.pro primary industry

Professional & Association Conferences (MPAGAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Virtual Awards Ceremonies & Competitions (Judging, Voting) (MPAGAOAN), Corporate Virtual Events (All-Hands, Town Halls, Product Launches) (MPAGAOAI)

Keywords

• Christian film awards
• Faith-based media events
• Christian film association
• Film industry networking
• Christian content distribution

Headquarters

HQ city

Burke

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Annual Memberships: ICVM generates revenue through annual membership fees from individuals, small organizations (up to 5 employees), and large organizations (over 5 employees). Members receive discounted rates to annual conferences, free attendance to MediaSphere online summit, and access to video recordings from previous events.
2. Event Registration Fees: Revenue from registration fees for the annual Storytellers Conference (September 30 – October 3, 2026 in Orlando, FL), Crown Awards ceremony at NRB, and virtual MediaSphere summits. Registration includes access to Christian Film Market, Script & Story Pitch-A-Thon, Investor Pitch Showcase, Crown Awards finalist celebration, seminars, and pre-release screenings.
3. Crown Awards Submissions: Filmmakers and content producers pay entry fees to submit their work for consideration in the Crown Awards. Members receive 25% off all entry fees. The awards cover 28 categories for movies, documentaries, foreign films, series, shorts, church media, student films, and more.
4. Sponsorships and Donations: As a non-profit organization all volunteer led, ICVM relies on financial support from sponsors and donors. Sponsors receive benefits and exposure at conferences year-round. Sponsorship opportunities exist for the Storytellers Conference, Crown Awards, and MediaSphere virtual summit.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

ICVM serves the Christian film and media industry through events and membership, bringing together international storytellers, producers, distributors, and investors. Its core offerings include the annual Storytellers Conference in Orlando, the Crown Awards (the longest-running faith-based film awards, now in their 54th year with 28 categories), the MediaSphere virtual summit series, the Christian Film Market, the Script & Story Pitch-A-Thon, and a tiered membership program.

Product overview

ICVM is a non-profit association serving the Christian film and media industry through events and membership. The organization operates a unified portfolio of interconnected products: the Crown Awards (the flagship faith-based film awards now in its 54th year) and the Storytellers Conference (annual in-person gathering in Orlando, Florida) serve as core products, both supplemented by the MediaSphere virtual summit series and the Christian Film Market for distribution. Additional offerings include the Script & Story Pitch-A-Thon, Investors Lion's Den, Actor's Monologue Challenge, and Keep It Reel Showcase. MediaSphere Africa extends the organization's reach regionally to African filmmakers. The membership program provides tiered access (Individual, Small Organization, Large Organization) to these events with networking resources, discounts, and recording access. The organization has been operating since 1972.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MediaSphere: Online virtual summit bringing together international community of storytellers, producers, distributors, and investors for learning and networking.
• Crown Awards
• Storytellers Conference
• Christian Film Market

Products and services

• Crown Awards The longest-running faith-based film awards ceremony recognizing excellence in Christian film and TV production. Awards 28 categories including Movies, Documentaries, Foreign Films, Series, Shorts, Church Media, Student Films, Comedy, and Best Actor/Actress. Open to filmmakers and content producers who pay entry fees to submit their work; members receive 25% off all entry fees.
• Storytellers Conference Annual in-person conference (54th year, Sept 30 – Oct 3, 2026 in Orlando, FL) bringing together storytellers, producers, distributors, and investors for networking, learning, and fellowship. Includes the Christian Film Market, Script & Story Pitch-A-Thon, Investors Pitch Showcase / Investors Lion's Den, Actor's Monologue Challenge, Keep It Reel Showcase, Crown Awards finalist celebration, seminars, and pre-release screenings. Members save $130 off registration.
• MediaSphere Virtual Summit Online virtual summit series bringing together the international community of storytellers and innovators for a day of learning, innovation, and meaningful connections through keynotes, workshops, virtual exhibits, and pitch showcases. Free for ICVM members; $49 for non-members (MediaSphere 2026 rate).
• MediaSphere Africa Regional virtual gathering designed to ignite, equip, and elevate African Christian filmmakers and storytellers through keynote sessions, workshops, networking, and cross-African collaboration. Targeted at African Christian media professionals.
• Christian Film Market Annual film market included as part of the Storytellers Conference where distributors with direct connections to theatrical, cable, and streaming networks search for and acquire high-quality Christian content from filmmakers. Provides pathways for filmmakers to reach distribution deals.
• ICVM Membership Program Annual subscription membership program with three tiers — Individual, Small Organization (5 or fewer employees), and Large Organization (over 5 employees). Member benefits include preferred access to annual and ongoing events, $130 off Storytellers Conference registration, 25% off Crown Award submissions, member-only events, access to annual event recordings, and free registration to the MediaSphere Virtual Summit. Members also receive access to the professional directory and networking resources.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 50 years of continuous service to the Christian film industry
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Angel StudiosflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 7 September 2025Major sponsor and partner in the Christian film industry. Angel Studios provides theatrical distribution and streaming services for faith-based content. Jared Geesey, EVP of International at Angel Studios, serves on ICVM's Board of Directors. The partnership enables ICVM members to access distribution pathways through Angel's platform.
• Ocean Avenue EntertainmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner/sponsor on ICVM's website. Production company focused on faith-based entertainment content.
• Hope StudioscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner/sponsor on ICVM's website. Faith-based production studio.
• Faith ChannelcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as a partner/sponsor on ICVM's website. Faith-based television channel providing distribution for Christian content.
• Inspire Media GroupminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as a partner/sponsor on ICVM's website. Christian media organization.
• PureFlixcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as a partner/sponsor on ICVM's website. Leading faith and family streaming platform providing distribution for Christian content.
• NRB (National Religious Broadcasters)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerNRB hosts the annual Christian Media Convention where ICVM's Crown Awards ceremony is held. This partnership provides ICVM with access to a major industry event and legitimizes the Crown Awards as the premier recognition for Christian film and media.
• Christian Film MarketcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of ICVM's annual Storytellers Conference, the Christian Film Market connects distributors with theatrical, cable, and streaming network connections to filmmakers seeking distribution for their content.
• Christian European Visual Media Association (CEVMA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerICVM partnered with CEVMA to create MediaSphere Africa, a virtual continental gathering for African Christian filmmakers. This partnership extends ICVM's reach into Africa and supports the African faith-based film ecosystem.
• Africa Fellowship of Evangelical Drama Ministers and Filmmakers (AFEDRAM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerContinental partner for MediaSphere Africa, working to advance Christian filmmaking, digital missions, and media outreach across Africa.
• African Christian Visual Media Network (ACVMN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization supporting MediaSphere Africa, contributing to the ecosystem development for African faith-based filmmakers.
• Global Church Institute (GCI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization for MediaSphere Africa, involved in advancing Christian media across the continent.
• MZIAIF (Mount Zion Institute Association International Fellowship)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey partner for MediaSphere Africa. MZIAIF runs the International Christian Film Festival (ICFF) and connects filmmakers across dozens of countries.
• Get Inspired Network / Kingdom Film FestivalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization for MediaSphere Africa, founded by Ewoma Luther-Abegunde, focused on building a thriving community for Christian filmmakers.
• Fearless FilmsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization for MediaSphere Africa, founded by Matrid Nyagah, producing acclaimed films including Watu Wote and Softie.
• Film FloridaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner on ICVM's website, supporting the film and media industry in Florida.
• SageAlive GroupcoreTechnology or IntegrationLed by Rex Nwakamma, provides leadership at the intersection of technology, media, and faith-based content. FilmMerge platform connects filmmakers with distribution opportunities.
• International Association of Evangelical Drama Ministers and Movie Makers (IAEDM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization helping advance Christian filmmaking, digital missions, and media outreach globally. Rex Nwakamma serves as Assistant International Coordinator.
• Africa International Christian Film Festival (AICFF)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLandmark global partnership announced in 2026 providing automatic entry for AICFF's Best Feature Film into ICVM Crown Awards. Also includes film screenings at Content Media Conference in Dallas and mentorship programs with Christian actors Cameron Arnett and BJ Arnett through Christ Over Career.
• Content Media ConferencecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership provides ICVM Crown Award winners access to film screenings at the Content Media Conference in Dallas, creating international exposure opportunities.
• Christ Over CareercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMentorship program partner providing African filmmakers with mentorship from acclaimed Christian actors Cameron Arnett and BJ Arnett.
• Greenlight Yourself (Profound Studios Media)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner/sponsor on ICVM's website. Platform supporting filmmakers with greenlight processes.
• Kappa StudiosminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner/sponsor on ICVM's website. Production studio.
• Gen28 MediaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner/sponsor on ICVM's website. Media production company.
• CanZion EntertainmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner/sponsor on ICVM's website. Entertainment company.
• Fearless Faith FilmsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner/sponsor on ICVM's website. Faith-based film production company.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• National Religious Broadcasters (NRB): NRB is the premier US association for Christian media professionals and hosts the annual NRB Convention where ICVM's Crown Awards ceremony is held. Both organizations serve overlapping Christian media members and co-locate flagship events, making them the most directly comparable industry-association peer.
• International Christian Film Festival (ICFF): Run by MZIAIF, ICFF is a global Christian film festival and a partner of ICVM for MediaSphere Africa. It is the most direct competitive event peer, also serving faith-based filmmakers through festival programming, awards, and international reach across dozens of countries.
• Kingdom Film Festival: Get Inspired Network's Kingdom Film Festival, founded by Ewoma Luther-Abegunde, is a partner of ICVM's MediaSphere Africa and a competing faith-based film festival focused on building a community for Christian filmmakers. Overlaps directly in target audience and event format.
• Africa International Christian Film Festival (AICFF): AICFF is a faith-based film festival that signed a 2026 partnership providing automatic entry for its Best Feature Film into ICVM Crown Awards. It directly competes in the African Christian film festival space and shares the same mission of advancing Christian filmmaking on the continent.
• San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival: SAICFF is a long-running independent Christian film festival in Texas serving the same target audience of faith-based filmmakers, producers, and distributors through competitive awards and industry networking.
• Movieguide Awards: Movieguide hosts annual faith-and-values based film awards and provides industry analysis for Christian-friendly media. Directly comparable as a faith-based film recognition and review organization serving overlapping filmmaker/distributor audiences.

Emerging players

• Christian Film & Television Commission: A faith-based film industry organization providing production resources, ratings, and educational content for Christian filmmakers. Less event-driven than ICVM but operates in the same Christian media professional ecosystem.

Others

• PureFlix: A leading faith and family streaming platform and ICVM channel partner. While primarily a distributor (not a direct event competitor), PureFlix overlaps in target audience and serves as a downstream distribution partner where ICVM members place content.
• Angel Studios: Angel Studios is a theatrical distributor and streamer of faith-based films (with EVP Jared Geesey on ICVM's board). It is a flagship ICVM partner but functions primarily as a downstream platform/distributor rather than a direct association or event competitor.
• Christian Cinema: A faith-based film marketplace and review platform for Christian audiences. Adjacent to ICVM in serving the Christian media ecosystem, though focused on consumer discovery rather than industry association services.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@icvm
• Facebookfacebook.com/ICVMOfficial
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/icvm
• Instagraminstagram.com/icvmofficial

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about International Christian Visual Media Association