A new animated film titled Light of the World is set to premiere in theaters across the United States on September 5, 2025. Told from the perspective of the Apostle John, the film uses hand-drawn 2D animation to depict the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, aiming to engage audiences of all ages with a personal and reflective portrayal of the Gospel narrative.

Produced by the nonprofit organization The Salvation Poem Project, Light of the World offers a unique narrative approach by focusing on the Apostle John’s recollections of his encounters with Jesus. The storyline follows John's youthful journey of discipleship, his witness to the crucifixion, and the transformation that followed the resurrection.

The project is helmed by director John J. Schafer, with animation led by Tony Bancroft—co-director of Disney’s Mulan—and his twin brother Tom Bancroft, who also worked on major animated features. The creative team intentionally opted for traditional 2D hand-drawn animation to evoke an intimate and timeless visual experience, distinguishing the film from contemporary CG-heavy productions.

In addition to the theatrical release, the film will be supported by a range of educational and devotional materials. These include a graphic novel, family devotionals, children’s activity books, and a free church curriculum designed to help families and congregations engage more deeply with the Gospel message.

The film’s producers aim to create more than just a visual retelling—they hope to inspire reflection, conversation, and renewed faith across generations. More information, including trailers and resource downloads, is available at lightoftheworld.com.