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January 30-31, 2026Music City Cinema Conference

The Music City Cinema Conference returns to Trevecca on January 30–31, 2026, bringing together filmmakers, students and industry leaders for a weekend of storytelling, collaboration and Kingdom-minded creativity.

Headline Event


Early Premiere Screening: “I Can Only Imagine 2”

In partnership with Kingdom Story Company

Featured Guests

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Stephen Kendrick

Producer, Kendrick Brothers

Stephen co-wrote and produced the movies “The Forge,” “War Room,” “Courageous,” “Fireproof” and “Facing The Giants,” and he co-authored the new discipleship book “Devoted to Jesus” and the New York Times bestsellers “The Love Dare,” “The Resolution for Men” and “The Battle Plan for Prayer.”

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James R. Cunningham

Production Designer, “The Chosen”

James is an award-winning film production designer for “The Chosen” whose film credits include “Promise Land,” “Family Camp,” “What If,” “Jerusalem Countdown,” “Redemption Of Henry Meyer,” “Do You Believe” and “The Resurrection of Gavin Stone,” among many others.

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Shari Rigby

Actress, Director & Producer

Shari is an accomplished actress, director, producer and author with two decades of experience in faith-based film and television. Her screen credits include “October Baby,” “Overcomer,” “County Rescue,” and “The Least of These.”

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Torry Martin

Screenwriter, Actor & Producer

Torry is an award-winning screenwriter, actor and comedian whose credits include “Adventures in Odyssey,” “Christmas on the Range,” “Heaven Bound” and “The Resurrection of Gavin Stone.” He has authored multiple books and written for several films and radio projects, known for using humor to share meaningful, faith-centered stories.
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Darby Faccinto

Future User Interface Designer, Marvel & DC

Darby is a Hollywood future-user-interface (FUI) designer with credits on major Marvel and DC projects including “Deadpool & Wolverine,” “Loki,” “Hawkeye,” “The Marvels,” “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” and the new “Tron Ares.” A Trevecca Film & TV graduate, has carved out a niche in helping stories further their worlds by creating a look and feeling to their tech.

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Johnny Derango

Cinematographer & Producer

Johnny is a cinematographer, producer and director who was featured in American Cinematographer Magazine’s “Rising Stars of Cinematography.” whose work spans Warner Bros., Paramount, Lionsgate, Disney and more. He recently served as co-producer and director of photography for the Lionsgate feature “Unsung Hero.”

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Mitch Hudson

Writer & Director

Mitch is the writer and director of the hit comedy series “The Promised Land,” which has garnered millions of views and reached number one on Angel within its first week. Through his production company Big Dog Pictures, he creates stories driven by heart and humor. Mitch has also worked as an assistant director on “The Chosen” since 2018.

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Josh Walsh

Film Producer, Kingdom Story Company

With more than a decade at Kingdom Story Company, Josh has produced many films. His credits include “I Can Only Imagine,” “Woodlawn,” “I Still Believe,” “Jesus Revolution,” “Mom’s Night Out,” and documentaries such as “The Jesus Music.” In 2024 he partnered with For King + Country on “Unsung Hero,” a breakout box-office hit.

What to Expect

  • Film screenings and Q&A sessions
  • Industry panels and breakout workshops
  • Networking opportunities with professionals and alumni
  • Career insights and creative inspiration for filmmakers and storytellers

Who Can Attend

The Music City Cinema Conference is open to all storytellers!

Conference Schedule

 

Friday, January 30

3:30 p.m. — Check-in Opens
4:30 p.m. — Master Classes (choose one):

  • Torry Martin — Screenwriting: “What’s the Big Idea?”
  • Darby Faccinto — Designing the Graphic World of “Tron Ares”
  • Adam Drake — Running the Set

6:00 p.m. — “I Can Only Imagine 2” Screening
8:00 p.m. — Josh Walsh: Producing “I Can Only Imagine 2”

Saturday, January 31

8:30 a.m. — Check-in Opens / Coffee Reception
9:00 a.m. — Stephen Kendrick (Producer)
10:15 a.m. — James Cunningham (Production Designer)
11:15 a.m. — Break
11:30 a.m. — Shari Rigby (Actor & Director)
12:30 p.m. — Lunch Break (Food trucks on site)
1:45 p.m. — Johnny Derango (Cinematographer) 
2:45 p.m. — Mitch Hudson (Director)
3:45 p.m. — Networking Dessert Reception (Included)

 

Event Details

January 30–31, 2026
Boone Convocation Center
Trevecca Nazarene University
333 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37210

We're excited to build another unforgettable year of Kingdom-minded storytelling in Music City!
Register today!