A Film for the Nations: How Creative Collaboration Brought Light of the World to Life

John Schafer still remembers being five years old, watching A Charlie Brown Christmas, and hearing the words “a Savior has been born.”

“I just remember afterwards talking to my mom and dad—‘What is a Savior?’ They didn’t know how to answer that,” Schafer shared. “That was kind of the seed planted… one of my goals was that no child would walk away asking that question again.”

After 15 years of producing Superbook with Christian Broadcasting Network, film director Schafer joined the Salvation Poem Project to bring stories like the new film Light of the World to life. Light of the World is a beautifully hand-drawn 2D animated film designed to present the story of Jesus in a way that resonates with today’s generation and generations to come. With support from industry leaders like the Bancroft brothers and Matt McPherson, the film developed into a compelling retelling of the Gospel that balances humor, depth, and clarity.

When OneHope leadership first joined a script reading for Light of the World, they knew it had the potential to be something truly special. “In more restricted regions, film is generally a great way to introduce Jesus to the next generation,” said Tom Harley, OneHope’s Vice President of the Final Third. The Final Third includes many of the most difficult-to-reach people groups around the world. “Parents are open to children seeing a film about Jesus, and research confirms this. That’s why film can be transformative, and why The Light of the World could be so impactful.”

In the spirit of multiplying impact through collaboration, OneHope committed to partnering with Schafer in content development and distribution for Light of the World. There was a shared recognition that together, OneHope and the Salvation Poem Project could unite to reach every child and youth with the hope of Jesus through His Word.

OneHope partnership leaders and content creators were involved early in the creative process and invited to speak into the script, the strategy, and the vision. “Theologian Jesse Stone and I were at the first script reading,” Harley said. “We were invited to contribute ministry strategies and provide feedback during production.”

The collaborative approach continued through character development and animation reviews, with a shared goal: making sure this film would serve ministries around the world.

“We always say it’s for everyone: families, children, and especially people who have no concept of the Bible or have a misconception,” Schafer said. “But we’re ministry partners more than filmmakers. So for us, it was important that organizations like OneHope were at the center. That’s how it becomes a legacy project.”

The film is currently in theaters across 2,000 screens in 27 countries. But the real work, according to Schafer, begins now.

“What we do at Salvation Poem Project is create high-quality content. But we need partners like OneHope to get it into the field,” he said. “That’s how it goes from a few weeks in theaters to 10, 20, 30 years of impact.”

Harley echoed the same vision. “This is not just a kids’ film—it’s for all generations. The hope is that entire families and communities encounter Jesus in fresh ways.”

Translations into 20+ languages are already in progress, with Southern Asia, Africa, and the Middle East prioritized. In sensitive regions, animated films provide a culturally appropriate and non-threatening way to engage with the Gospel. Contextualized curriculum is also being developed to deepen discipleship following the film.

Through Light of the World, OneHope and the Salvation Poem Project are helping a generation around the globe encounter Jesus personally and carry His light into their communities.

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