Jan 9 – Sacramento, CA: Robert Craig Films Foundation (RCFF) announced its first Faith-based Filmmakers Grant recipient: first-time director and Christian filmmaker John Snowden. The $20,000 grant will support the production of “Papa Panov’s Special Christmas,” a film adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s classic story. The project reflects the foundation’s mission to encourage new filmmakers to share their faith in film and to tell stories of compassion, hope, and transformation.
“We are delighted to award our first filmmaking grant to John Snowden. It was a competitive and prayerfully considered review process,” says Board Chair and Executive Director, John Lewis. “His vision aligns with ours, which is to create a world where faith-based film ignites transformation so communities can unite to build a promising future.”
Snowden has long felt the calling to direct faith-based film projects, and this grant marks the realization of that dream. His professional experience includes serving as a youth pastor, working in Kathmandu, Nepal, with a business-as-mission tech company, and over 15 years in the entertainment industry in various roles, including consultant and liaison for Paramount Studios. This grant will allow him to build the interior set, hire a cinematographer, a small crew, and cast to bring to life the faith-centered Christmas story about living out compassion through everyday acts of kindness.
The Robert Craig Films Foundation is the philanthropic side of Robert Craig Films, which develops and produces films that inspire audiences to engage with greater empathy, compassion, and generosity in the communities they live in, including the recent award-winning feature film NO ADDRESS. The foundation launched its concept of the Faith-Based Filmmakers Grant in 2025 and awarded the winner in January 2026. The program supports the creation of more positive content in our communities and gives a voice to those who might otherwise not have been able to get their start.
The grant also acknowledged the top five finalists, of which had amazing screenplays as well, and in honor of their achievement, their names are: Joshua McClinton, Marion MacKenzie-Pyle, Austin Kane Anderson, Quetzalma Pizzella and Orlando Kemuel.