Welcome to the CWVFF 2025 Speakers! Learn more about their passion for filmmaking and commitment to their faith. Every year when we host the festival, we are always blown away by the caliber of speakers the Lord brings. The CWVFF 2025 Speakers cover a number of topics including Acting, Directing, Producing, Writing, and even LED Volume Stage Production. Each of our speakers is dedicated to their walk with Jesus and are passionate about building up the next generation of film professionals.
Aspen’s faith has been the driving force behind his extraordinary journey. Renowned for his heartfelt and authentic portrayals, Aspen stands tall as a rising star worth watching. With a deep passion for stories that illuminate the depths of humanity, Aspen chooses roles that embody the essence of our collective triumphs, struggles and vulnerabilities.
He firmly believes that storytelling transcends mere entertainment—when done from the heart it becomes a vessel for understanding, healing and empathy. Kennedy best explains, “This work shares and bears fruit in the heart. It’s a gift that I believe heals the storyteller and audience alike, fostering that sense of connection that we all long for.”
More than an artist, he is a beacon of light and inspiration, as he continues to stride in gratitude towards what he describes as his true Purpose – to be led by his faith in Jesus Christ and to continually allow God’s light to shine through him.
Aspen Kennedy
Stephen Kendrick
After serving in church ministry for 20 years, Stephen Kendrick now writes, speaks, and produces Christian films with his brothers Alex and Shannon. Stephen produced and co-wrote the movies THE FORGE, WAR ROOM, OVERCOMER, COURAGEOUS, FIREPROOF, and FACING THE GIANTS. In 2021, SHOW ME THE FATHER released; it was their first feature-length documentary, for which he served as an executive producer and writer. Their newest film, THE FORGE, was released by Sony Pictures in August of 2024.
Along with his brother Alex, Stephen co-wrote the New York Times bestselling books The Love Dare, The Resolution for Men, and The Battle Plan for Prayer. He has been interviewed on “Fox & Friends,” CNN, and ABC World News Tonight. He serves on the boards of the Fatherhood CoMission and the Christian Worldview Film Festival. Stephen and his wife, Jill, live in Albany, Ga. with their six children and are active members at Sherwood Church.
George Escobar is a joyful follower of Jesus Christ, dedicated to making God’s love, truth, and mercy known to audiences worldwide. As co-founder of Advent Film Group, he has mentored aspiring filmmakers while producing impactful films. His notable works include ALONE YET NOT ALONE, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song, as well as THE ISAIAH 9:10 JUDGMENT, an Amazon faith bestseller for over 75 weeks. His work emphasizes high-quality storytelling that resonates with audiences seeking uplifting content. Escobar has held leadership roles, including Executive Producer of Films at Focus on the Family and currently leads as Creative Chief of 3 Days Studios where he and co-founder Dr. Joel Bunkowske pioneer AI-driven film production into high-quality faith-based narratives. They also co-founded Storytellers Film Academy to provide college-level film training. Their latest projects, PRAIRIE WINDS and THE VICTORY SWING, blend technology with traditional storytelling. With executive roles at Discovery and AOL/Time Warner, Escobar brings expertise in digital media, interactive storytelling, and audience engagement. He utilizes crowdfunding and community-driven investment models, similar to Angel Studios, to empower filmmakers and investors. His work continues to shape the industry by delivering stories that inspire and uplift audiences.
George Escobar
John-Clay Burnett
A veteran of video production for over a decade, John-Clay Burnett is the founder of ReelCast Productions, an award-winning media company committed to sharing stories that inspire and engage audiences! From the beginning he has been focused on creating quality promo films, and has won 6 “Best Promo” awards. He has conducted hundreds of video interviews, and clients include The Kendrick Brothers, Arkansas Baptist State Convention, ALERT Academy, WIT Ministries, and Lamplighter Guild. Over the years he has also worked on 7 feature films and 4 documentaries, including I Can Only Imagine, Beyond the Mask, Washington’s Armor, Show Me The Father, and Disciples in the Moonlight. A key teacher at Christian film workshops across the nation, John-Clay is passionate about partnering with people to pursue greater excellence in their communication. Past teaching opportunities have included lecturing at the Lamplighter Guild and the Christian Worldview Film Festival.
With a BA in Theatre from the University of Houston, Richard spent his early career impacting the independent film world in Texas. His feature film debut, The Song, was released in 2014 in theaters nationwide. He is the co-writer and co-director of the upcoming feature film, Unsung Hero. His comedic short films, done in collaboration with his brother, John, have been featured in numerous film festivals and websites including NYT, HuffPo, LA Times, CBS News, The Atlantic, and IFC. After a six-year tenure as Artistic Director of the award-winning City on a Hill Studio, Richard relocated to Nashville where he served three years on the creative staff of Kingdom Story Company. He and his wife still live in Nashville and have five children all named after Beatles songs.
Richard Ramsey
Alex Kendrick
Alex Kendrick has dedicated his life to following Jesus Christ and making His truth and love known among the nations. After serving in church ministry for 20 years, he now writes, speaks, and produces Christian films with his brothers Stephen and Shannon. Alex directed and co-wrote the movies OVERCOMER, WAR ROOM, COURAGEOUS, FIREPROOF, FACING THE GIANTS, and FLYWHEEL. In 2021, the Kendrick Brothers released two films: COURAGEOUS Legacy, and SHOW ME THE FATHER, their first feature-length documentary, for which he served as an executive producer and writer. Alex is an executive producer, co-writer, and plays the role of Shawn in LIFEMARK, which opened in theaters in September 2022. Their newest film, THE FORGE, was release by Sony Pictures in August of 2024.
Alex co-wrote the New York Times bestselling books The Love Dare, The Resolution for Men, and The Battle Plan for Prayer. He has been interviewed on “Fox & Friends,” CNN, and ABC World News Tonight. Alex and his wife, Christina, live in Albany, Ga. with their six children and are active members at Sherwood Church.
Brannon Hollingsworth is the COO/CCO of Brainy Pixel Productions, a Christian Animation and Production company responsible for the creation of or the production for brands such as Cubekins, Molly’s Memory Verse, Lily’s Lab, Righteous Warriors, Blissview, The PicTrain, Chronicles of Faith, The Happy Purple Puppy, T.A.G.Life, and many more. He’s been blessed to work with amazing Christian ministries and organizations such as Answers In Genesis, Angel Studios, The Museum of the Bible, Got Questions, Focus on the Family, Covenant Eyes, The Academy of Arts, Creator Films, All Things Possible Ministries, TruPlay, Yippee.TV, Union Gospel Press/Lifestone Discipleship Ministries, and others. Brannon is a Christ-centered creator who strives to use his gifts, skills, talents, and abilities for God’s glory and to make disciples, regardless if he is writing, producing, directing, or highlighting what other amazing Christian creatives are doing.
Brannon Hollingsworth
Phillip Telfer
Phillip Telfer began his journey as a creative communicator through singing and songwriting. He also started teaching and mentoring teens as a youth pastor and camp speaker. He now directs the non-profit ministry Media Talk 101 and is author of the book Media Choices: Convictions or Compromise?Phillip is excited about the recent publication of his first young adult novel Why Save Alexander?. He produced, and co-directed the award-winning documentary Captivated: Finding Freedom in a Media Captive Culture, and founded the annual Christian Worldview Film Festival and Filmmakers Guild. Phillip loves Jesus, his family, and his local church. He’s finicky about coffee so he took up the hobby of home roasting and when he needs to unplug he can be found in his workshop crafting things from wood. He and his wife Mary have been happily married for thirty-three years and are blessed with four children.
Creative Impact Ministries
In 2012, Jim & Lynn Adams “retired” from pastoral ministry and started the steep learning curve to produce missionary films. They’ve shot documentaries in the Navajo Nation, Czechia, Belgium, Ireland, Alaska, Costa Rica, Bangladesh, Japan, Thailand, England, Wales, Mexico (2), Poland, El Salvador, Brazil (6), Honduras and Vietnam.
Andy Adams joined the team part-time in 2016 and is going full-time this year.
Over the past 13 years, they’ve developed processes for everything they do. They research and screen potential missionary “clients.” In pre-production they develop Keywords, Character Studies and a Storyline complete with hook, conflict, plot points, resolution and a call-to-action. They have a lot of experience in traveling and crossing borders with production gear. All production and post-production is done by their team.
Jim, Lynn and Andy Adams
Larry Frenzel
Larry graduated from UCLA Film School and worked as a screenwriter in Hollywood in the 1970‘s, prior to becoming an attorney. He is currently a producer, screenwriter, and entertainment lawyer with extensive legal, business, and creative experience in motion picture development, production, and distribution. He founded Birchwood Pictures in 2009, “To produce and distribute independent films that provoke thought and instil hope through moving, redemptive and entertaining stories.” Larry’s producing credits include: The Forge (co-producer); Lifemark (associate producer); Courageous Legacy (associate producer); Show Me The Father (associate producer); Overcomer (associate producer); War Room (associate producer) and many more.
Daniel Schwabauer, ThD, teaches English at MidAmerica Nazarene University and writes award-winning fantasy and science fiction novels. His book, The God of Story: Discovering the Narrative of Scripture Through the Language of Storytelling, releases from Baker Books in February of 2025. Daniel’s other professional work includes textbooks, stage plays, radio scripts, short stories, newspaper columns, comic books and scripting for the PBS animated series Auto-B-Good. He earned an MA in creative writing under science fiction legend James Gunn and completed his doctoral work in semiotic theology with Leonard Sweet. He lives in Olathe, Kansas, with his wife and dogs.
Daniel Schwabauer
Travis Palmer
Travis Palmer has dedicated his life to serving Christ and declaring His works in and through the media and motion picture industry. By God’s grace, he has worked 20 years in various positions throughout the industry, contributing his expertise to many productions, and has been blessed to work alongside numerous award-winning filmmakers. He taught for eleven years in the film school at Oklahoma City Community College, which was named as one of the “25 Best Film Schools in the US and Canada” in Moviemaker Magazine, Summer 2023.
Travis continues to invest in the skills and character of future filmmakers through pastoring them on and off the set, while enjoying the exhilarating collaboration and creative endeavor it takes to bring a story to the screen. In all that he does, he strives to glorify God and communicate His love throughout the echelons of the motion picture industry.
Travis and his wife, Tera, live in Oklahoma with their three children.
Andrew Bartlett has been creating his whole life, and knew as a teenager he wanted to do filmmaking and designing as a career. Growing up on a small farm in rural North Dakota, and then founding Bartlett Idea Co. in 2015, he’s brought an inventive, problem-solving approach to his work, inspiring the team to aim high with each project. BIC currently works with clients around the country, offering a variety of marketing services including branding, web, video, graphic design, photography, and social media. Andrew has also directed several award-winning promotional films for law enforcement through his second company, Defender. As an entrepreneur and visionary, Andrew also co-founded Motion University, hoping to be able to share what he’s learned with others. Andrew’s desire is to be there for his team, glorify God in the process, and at the end of the day, make every project the best it can possibly be!
Hannah Bartlett: Having an interest in cameras and entrepreneurship at a young age, Hannah co-founded Motion University with her now-husband Andrew, and officially joined the Bartlett Idea Co. team in 2016 as a producer and editor. Hannah enjoys blending the left-brain details with right-brain creativity by jumping into projects wherever she’s needed – whether that’s managing budgets, writing emails, suggesting ideas, planning events, producing and ADing on promotional films, or capturing moments behind the camera. She loves being able to work together with Andrew on running their company and supporting their clients and their team!
Andrew and Hannah Bartlett
Sean Gaffney
Sean Gaffney has authored thirty produced plays, three feature films, four commissioned television pilots, two published chapter books, as well as over two hundred produced videos, animation projects, YouTube series episodes and short films (including for Big Idea and SuperBook). Other publications include contributing to Bigger on the Inside: Christianity and Doctor Who, and It Was Good: Performing Arts to the Glory of God. He was the Story Administrator for Warner Bros. Features, editor of Drama Ministry Magazine, the Managing Director of Taproot Theatre (Seattle) and General Manager of Lamb’s Theatre Company (New York). Gaffney currently is a Professor in Media Communication and Screenwriting at Asbury University, as well as Associate Dean of the School of Communication Arts. He received his BFA from Drake University, his MFA from Columbia University, and studied with Act One: Writing for Hollywood. He is about to release a book on the intersection of scriptwriting and theology: Meta Story: What Marvel & the Messiah Can Teach Us about Great Storytelling. More information at www.gaffneyinkwell.com and IMDb.
Andy Lohrenz has been working in film for 20 years with a focus on set lighting and camera work. With an early start as a missionary kid in the mountains of Guatemala, Andy found a passion for filmmaking and story telling. Spurred on by his aunt that worked on the Original Star Wars trilogy he felt led to light. Before graduating from college he spent a summer filming and editing the story of Elijah in a Mayan dialect that he didn’t even speak.
Since then he’s traveled to the jungles of Vietnam, the beaches of Puerto Rico, the deserts of Mexico, and coast to coast in the U.S.A. lighting whatever project he could. Currently he lives and works out of Atlanta Georgia. His experiences ranges from being a gaffer, key grip, lighting technician, fixtures technician, camera operator, dolly grip, and yes even as a PA for one day. He was even sworn in as an honorary Goonie by Sean Aston. His most recent works include Superman, Agatha Harkness, Peacemaker, MS Marvel, American Underdog, I Still Believe, I Can Only Imagine, and most importantly Flight Risk which was shot almost entirely on a volumetric stage.
Andy Lohrenz
John Grooters
John Grooters is an accomplished writer/director who defines his life mission as: “To reveal the beauty of Christ to the world through excellent media.” That simple calling has been expressed through his work in film, music, and animation.
John is the screenwriter and director of three award-winning theatrical films TORTURED FOR CHRIST, THE FRONTIER BOYS and SABINA – TORTURED FOR CHRIST, THE NAZI YEARS.
John’s company, America Studios is currently developing features and episodic series based on American history and is releasing LEADERS AT GETTYSBURG in 2025.
Also in 2025, the first season of Grooters’ humorous and warm-hearted animated series BEDTIME WITH THE SHEEPS is set to be launched on broadcast and on streaming platforms.
Thomas A. Johnson has been working in the film and media production industry for 25 years, and is the co-owner of Inverted Staircase Productions LLC. Thomas specializes in production sound and has recently worked on several notable films including Pursuit of Freedom, Disciples In the Moonlight, and the soon-to-released Beyond Belief. While working in multiple genres, he has a passion for working on faith-based films that inspire and share the truth of Christ. He has a drive to leverage current technologies and techniques to achieve a fully cinematic audio experience in films that truly can change world.
Over the last several years, he has been privileged to work with both Taylor University and Huntington University in providing the next generation with the knowledge they need to capture great sound on set through focused classes, workshops, and mentorship programs. He resides in Indiana with his wife and 3 children.
Thomas Johnson
Caleb Knott
Caleb Knott is the audio director for Oak Hills Church and began volunteering at the Christian Worldview Film Festival in 2015. With 11 years of professional audio experience, he has accomplished such things as: That last church service was too loud and too quiet. Replacing a word with the same word recorded earlier in the take. He also did the sound design and postproduction audio on that short film you have not seen.
He desires to help Christian content creators improve their craft to engage culture and present the gospel artistically. He and his wife are raising their 4 children outside San Antonio.
Justin Tolley wanted to make movies when he was 13. But when you’re just a kid, a dream that big seems unlikely. Thankfully he serves a God who specializes in the impossible.
He graduated from film school (Full Sail University) in 2004 and has been in the film industry ever since. His first feature film was Fireproof. After his work with the Kendrick Brothers he moved to Hawaii to work on the hit television show Lost, but he left after 2 seasons to work exclusively in the faith based film industry.
Indivisible, Courageous, October Baby, Moms’ Night Out, War Room, Woodlawn, The Chosen (tv series), Family Camp, The Forge, and Unsung Hero are just a few projects he’s been honored to be a part of. And he’s excited for the upcoming release of his most recent project: The Promised Land (Tv Series).
With a mixture of over 30 feature films and tv series shot in over 15 states (God is good), he would say his most impressive number is 4. Four beautiful boys are his greatest work. His family travels with him as He pursues the calling the Lord has placed on his life.
Justin Tolley
Kevin Bouren
Kevin Bouren is a Soldier in the Lord’s Army and served as a front-line ambassador for Christ while wearing the uniform of our Nation’s Army for more than 30 years. A native of Phoenix, AZ, he is a 1997 Graduate of West Point, commanded Soldiers in combat in Iraq, and served in numerous combat and peacekeeping operations throughout the world. Kevin is passionate about making disciples and helping them to fulfill the Great Commission.
His service to the Nation and our Lord is enabled and enhanced by a thriving marriage to Adra, his lovely wife of 26+ years, who changes the world one child at a time as a homeschool mom to their four delightful children: Kayla, Brady, Annalise, & Luke. The Bouren Family is passionate about Christian filmmaking and using their gifts to serve together on movie sets as they proclaim Christ to the world. In March 2023, Kevin co-founded Set Shepherds, a nonprofit ministry designed to shepherd the movie cast and crew for Christ. He’s co-produced two feature-length films: Birthright Outlaw (October 2023); and The Forge which hit theaters in August of 2024.
Venus is a multi-award-winning actor, a producer, a lifelong Texan, and the founder of Personal Powerhouse, a Christian company that helps actors build their careers with integrity.
As an actor, she’s most known for her series regular role in the crime drama, Vindication, where she plays Detective Kris Tanner. Venus prefers being in projects that inspire the audience to do better and be better when they walk away from the film.
As a business owner, Venus runs a thriving community made up of Christian actresses all across the country who are serving Jesus while pursuing their calling. The Powerhouse Sisterhood Suite has filled a gap in the film industry for women who have desired deep friendship and encouragement on the journey.
Outside of the film industry, she loves traveling to see God’s creations, helping other entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life, and having deep conversations over coffee.
Venus Monique
Diego Calderon
With a deep commitment to the craft and message of each artist, I founded this management company to address a vital need in the industry—a true, supportive team. Through years of building relationships and observing how careers can plateau without the right guidance, I became passionate about leveraging the power of social media to build brands and foster genuine connections. My clients have been part of several box office hits with the Kendrick Brothers, Erwin Brothers, and the Skit Guys, as well as projects with Disney Channel, an episodic show with Sony, and a top 5 movie on Pureflix. I’ve also had the privilege of working with Grammy Award-winning talent. Anthem Collective manages a diverse roster of talent, including NFL agents, award-winning actors, TV hosts, speakers, and best-selling authors. To further expand our impact, I launched Anthem Creators, a division of Anthem Collective that represents influencers and creatives, specializing in securing brand deals. Anthem Collective also successfully hosted its first in-person workshop in Charlotte, NC, drawing participants from across the United States and creatives from Mexico. My goal is to work with artists who are as dedicated to their craft as they are to their message. Together, we create experiences that engage, excite, and inspire, all for the glory of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Robert Amaya is a dedicated family man from Miami with a love of film and musicals. He is a former vocalist for the critically acclaimed, Walt Disney’s Voices of Liberty; a volunteer worship leader and children’s ministry actor at his church, Christ Journey; and a featured actor for a number of award winning box office hits. In his home town, he has helped launch and organize “FamJamz” a family ministry based on the “Think Orange” concept where families are encouraged to worship
together and parents are equipped to be more involved in their children’s spiritual development. He is also a launching partner and now member of the governing body behind the Gospel Leadership Network. This organization exists to disrupt the patterns of leadership by connecting The Gospel to all areas of influence.
Robert first won audiences’ hearts as the funny, yet endearing, Javier the “Snake King” in Sherwood Picture’s, COURAGEOUS.
He has since become a family favorite in many uplifting films including, Mom’s Night Out. Most recently, he has released a short bilingual music album entitled, Revive. In it he performs some of his favorite works essential to his personal revival. Between projects, Robert travels across the nation singing and speaking at both english and spanish churches, schools, and organizations about a variety of topics. Most importantly, he is a minister of the life saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Robert Amaya
