The "Light of the World" In Movie Theaters This Weekend

When the non-profit ministry, The Salvation Poem Project, released their contemporary Christian rock style song, "The Salvation Poem", it became popular worldwide. Leading to the simple tune being translated into ninety-one languages worldwide. Now, they've turned their creative eye towards film making, with their 2- D animated movie, the "Light of the World" being released in movie theaters this weekend. A movie that aims to "powerfully illustrate how Jesus of Nazareth changed the world forever and still changes lives today."

Told from the perspective of the youngest apostle, John, "Light of the World" uses a "children's storybook come to life" aesthetic in their animated film to relate the powerful ministry of the life of Christ. The faith-based animated movie is directed by twins, Tom and Tony Bancroft, who have previously worked on other major animated films such as "The Lion King" and "Beauty and the Beast". And in "Light of the World", they purposefully avoided the computer-generated image trend in movies these days to give the movie a timeless feel. Preferring instead to apply real painting textures to digitally painted backgrounds to give the film a "hand of the artist feel". With the animation being provided by the Irish animation studio, Lighthouse Studios.

To show the importance of light in the movie, "Light of the World" shows the young Apostle John holding a lamp giving light and saying, "We need help". With some other wise statements from the movie being highlighted when Jesus is being led to the crucifixion, as the movie states that, "Sometimes evil men silence those who speak the truth." Yet true to the optimistic spirit of the Christian message, "Light of the World", emphasizes that Jesus' crucifixion is "not the end, it's the beginning" as His resurrection is also portrayed in the film.

The voice of Jesus in "Light of the World" is done by Ian Hanlin, a Canadian voice over actor, who has done an extensive number of animated films. And the running time for the animated movie is 91 minutes with it having a PG rating.

For those interested in hearing The Salvation Poem song, they can do so at https://salvationpoem.com/song. With the charming lyrics of the trademarked poem being as follows:

"Jesus, You died upon a cross

And rose again to save the lost

Forgive me now of all my sin

Come be my Savior, Lord, and Friend

Change my life and make it new

And help me, Lord, to live for You"

Luisa Reyes is a Tuscaloosa attorney, piano instructor, and vocalist.