Lipscomb’s Bancroft brothers, alumni bring the story of Jesus to theaters with new 2-D animated film 'Light of the World'
Kim Chaudoin |
Light of the World opens in theaters across the country on Sept. 5. Tickets on sale at lightoftheworld.com.
Tom Bancroft has lent his animation talents to some of the most iconic animated films in history — including The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. But his latest project tops them all in his estimation.
“It’s personal this time,” he says.
On Sept. 5, audiences across the country will experience the premiere of Light of the World, a new hand-drawn 2D animated feature that tells the story of Jesus through the eyes of a young Apostle John. The film is co-directed by Tom, founder and artist-in-residence of Lipscomb University’s animation program, alongside longtime friend and collaborator John J. Schafer. Tom’s twin brother, Tony Bancroft, who directs Imagine House Animation at Lipscomb, served as animation director and co-head of story on the project.
“When I was at Disney, I was able to work on wonderful films that stand the test of time, but I couldn’t be a complete animator and director working on them,” says Tom. “There was a part of me I couldn’t share, which was my faith. Now I get to share all of me and all the talent that Jesus gave me to tell his story. To me, this film is more important than any other project I have worked on because I feel like this is going to change people.”
"Working with my brother on this project is special enough, but working together on an animated feature about Jesus is a miracle project for us," adds Tony.
Watch the official Light of the World trailer
Tony Bancroft, head of story and animation director; John Schaffer, director; Pam Darley, producer; and Tom Bancroft, director, at the 'Light of the World' premiere in Washington, D.C.
A story for all
Set in 30 AD, Light of the World follows 13-year-old John as he seeks the Messiah to save his family from Roman oppression. What begins as a quest for deliverance becomes a journey of friendship, faith and understanding as John discovers Jesus’ true purpose.
“We wanted to make a film about Jesus Christ, but not make him the star,” Tom explains. “The star of the film is actually young John the Apostle. It’s a coming-of-age story, told in the way Disney would tell it in the ’90s. We see John trying to save his family, meeting Jesus, and ultimately understanding why he came.”
“We wanted to make a film families could watch together that clearly portrays who Jesus is," he adds. "2-D hand-drawn animation has that human quality to it. It felt like the most fitting way to honor Jesus — the only perfect person to walk the earth.”
The $20 million project was produced by The Salvation Poem Project (TSP), a nonprofit committed to sharing the story of Jesus through creative media.
"The hardest thing to find in making an independent film is a supportive investor that believes in the project," Tony says. "TSP was more than that, they put all of their money on the line and gave us complete control. Their trust in our creative team is what made this project so wonderfully uncommon to work on."
Tom and Tony Bancroft celebrate the premiere of 'Light of the World.'
A Lipscomb connection
Tom says it was fun to work with his brother on this project.
“It’s always special working with Tony,” he shares. “When we were discussing who would be the director of animation, I made a plea — I really want it to be Tony. Number one, he’s going to do a great job. Number two, I joked that it was my dream to be his boss. That goes back to Mulan, when he was my boss. Ever since then, he’s held it over me that he was my boss, so it’s finally my chance!”
The Bancroft brothers weren’t the only Lipscomb connections involved in the project. Through Tom’s animation company, Pencilish Studios, they were able to hire Lipscomb alumni Chloe Arvin (’23) to work with the storyboard animatic, along with Joel Guthrie (’20) and Jon Densk (’18) who worked on character poses and early experimental animation. In addition, Hayden Luckett (’23) and McKenzie Chaffins (’22) produced clean up drawings for the film's animation test and Marynia (Harris) Gottfred (’22) did ink and paint for the animation test.
“Having Chloe, Joel and Jon on the team was incredible,” Tom says. “It’s a proud moment to see our alumni making such a significant impact on a major feature film.”
Opening weekend
Light of the World premiered last week in Washington, D.C., and officially releases in theaters nationwide on Friday, Sept. 5. The Bancroft brothers invite Lipscomb students, faculty and staff — along with the Nashville community — to join them at AMC Thoroughbred at 3:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. on opening day. They will be at both screenings at the Cool Springs theatre. Tickets are on sale now at lightoftheworld.com.
Tom encourages everyone to attend opening weekend, Sept. 5-7, to help the film remain in theaters longer. “The stronger the opening, the more likely it is to stay in theaters and reach more people with this message,” he says.