• Animation
• Drama
• Family
• Fantasy
• Music

Light of the World 2025

Light of the World is a 2025 American animated Christian drama film that offers a fresh and visually distinct take on the life of Jesus Christ. Directed by veteran animators Tom Bancroft (known for his work on Disney's The Lion King and Mulan) and John J. Schafer, the movie is a 2D-animated feature that aims to bring a "children's storybook come to life" aesthetic to the biblical narrative. The film, with a budget of around $20 million, was funded by the non-profit ministry, The Salvation Poem Project. The story is told primarily through the perspective of a young John, who is imagined as a boy, a creative decision by the filmmakers to make the story relatable for a younger audience. The plot follows John as his family faces financial hardship under Roman rule. Desperate for a Messiah to save them from oppression, John, along with his brother James and friends Peter and Andrew, encounters Jesus, a man who isn't what they expected. The film depicts key events from Jesus's ministry, including his first miracle at the wedding in Cana, healing the sick (including Mary Magdalene), and feeding the 5,000. It also portrays the dramatic and emotional moments leading up to his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. The film's voice cast includes Ian Hanlin as Jesus, Benjamin Jacobson as young John, and Vincent Tong as Andrew, among others. The directors intentionally chose 2D animation to create a timeless and handcrafted feel, with digitally painted backgrounds that incorporate real painting textures. The animation was provided by the Irish studio Lighthouse Studios. Light of the World premiered on June 6, 2025, and had a wider release in the United States and Canada on September 5, 2025, with an aim to appeal to both children and adults while being faithful to the Gospel message. Read More

• 2025
• 1 h : 31 min
• 728 views
• 6.457
• PG