The inaugural Kingdomwood Christian Film Festival will be held Oct. 9 – Oct. 11 at Stonecrest Mall. Under the conference theme, "Reach, Teach and Inspire," weekend activities will include screenings of shorts, features and documentaries with faith and inspirational themes, a preview of an upcoming documentary on the Rev. A.D. King — Martin Luther King Jr.’s brother — and his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement as well as gospel concerts spotlighting rising talent from the church community.

On Oct. 10, the youth program will showcase the musical ministry of Young Prayzr & Lil Dude. A pastor’s symposium will discuss the film industry and its impact on family, youth and the faith community. Invited panelists include Elder Debbie Hawkins, Voice of Faith Ministries in Stone Mountain; Pastor Michael B. Wright, New Life Church in Decatur; Berean Christian Church Associate Pastor Dr. Kenneth Lee; and Pastor Damele Elliott Collier; Mt. Paran Baptist Church located in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Additional panel discussions will probe the challenges of producing and distributing faith-based films. An awards presentation will close out the festival on Saturday evening, with a special preview screening of "The Secret Life Of Bees," starring Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keyes and Dakota Fanning.

KCFF, the brainchild of Driven Film Developers’ Audrey Thomas and Joe Williams, offers a forum for independent faith-based filmmakers to screen films that promote and inspire Christian teachings and values. Organizers of the festival have received an impressive line-up of films from around the country and Europe.

"The support has been overwhelming," said the founders of KCFF. "This festival has demonstrated there is a market for filmmakers working and striving to have their faith-based projects screened and recognized, and Kingdomwood now offers that opportunity."

Screenings will be held at the AMC Theater at Stonecrest. For information on the festival, including registration and sponsorship, visit: www.kingdomwood.com.