EchoLight Studios has pledged up to $1 million to produce and distribute the new work from the Best Film winner in this year's 168 Film Project.

Launched in 2003, the project gives an entrant one week (168 hours) in which to film and edit a short movie based on a theme influenced by the contestant's individual Bible verse. Registration is open at 168film.com and closes May 11.

"This is a great leap for the producers of the short films in our contest," said John David Ware, 168 founder and director. "They move up to making feature-length films, and this is a great encouragement for them to continue to excel."

Christopher Morrow, chief global strategist at EchoLight Studios, noted that the partnership with the project to support the next generation of Christian filmmakers is a win-win "because of our mutual goal to illuminate the word of God through film."

Based in Dallas, EchoLight produces and distributes faith-based and family-friendly films such as 1 Message, Foolishness, I Am . . . Gabriel and Undaunted: The Early Life of Josh McDowell.

On Feb. 9, EchoLight awarded $250,000 to fund, co-produce and distribute the work of the winner in the 2013 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival Short Film category. Brandon Adams' film Useless took the award, which also won multiple awards in last year's 168 Film Project, including Best Film, Best Cinematography and Best Acting.

Click here for more information about the 168 Film Project.