INDIANAPOLIS, IN — October 12, 2026 — Campbellsville University alumnus Rev. Chris Thornsberry, a 2002 graduate of the university, celebrated a major milestone this past weekend as The Protectors, a documentary film he helped produce and appears in, premiered at the 2026 Heartland International Film Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Directed by filmmaker Jeremy Whitham, The Protectors tells the story of Chris Barr, a talented artist living with cerebral palsy, and the relationships that have shaped his life. Through a moving exploration of creativity, friendship, family, and community, the documentary challenges audiences to look beyond disabilities and recognize the unique gifts and inherent worth of every individual.
For Thornsberry, who earned his Bachelor of Science in Christian Education from Campbellsville University in 2002, the film represents the intersection of two lifelong passions: ministry and storytelling.
"I've loved movies for as long as I can remember," Thornsberry said. "Growing up, some of my favorite memories were going to the movies with my parents, especially those big action films my dad and I would see together. I always dreamed about being involved in filmmaking, but I never imagined I would one day help produce a documentary that would premiere at a major film festival."
Thornsberry currently serves as Associate Pastor at Epworth United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. In June 2025, he was ordained as a Deacon in Full Connection in the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church.
His ministry focuses on connecting the church with the wider community, a calling he believes naturally extends into filmmaking.
"One of the things I learned during my time at Campbellsville was that faith isn't something we simply talk about on Sunday mornings. It's something we live out in the world," Thornsberry said. "Being part of The Protectors has given me an opportunity to help tell a story that celebrates human dignity, kindness, and the importance of community. To me, that's ministry."
The documentary premiered Saturday, October 10, at the Heartland International Film Festival, an Indianapolis-based festival known for showcasing films that inspire, challenge, and celebrate the human spirit.
In addition to its premiere, the film has multiple festival screenings, including a sold-out October 14 showing at the Indianapolis Art Center and additional screenings scheduled for Saturday, October 17. The documentary is also available through the festival's streaming program from October 8 through October 19.
For Thornsberry, the premiere was more than a professional accomplishment. It was the realization of a childhood dream and an opportunity to share a meaningful story with a wider audience.
"There's something incredibly special about sitting in a theater and watching a film you helped bring to life," Thornsberry said. "But what means even more is knowing that this story has the potential to change how people see and treat one another. If someone walks away from this film with a greater appreciation for the dignity and gifts of others, then we've accomplished something truly worthwhile."
The experience has also inspired Thornsberry to pursue additional opportunities in filmmaking, particularly projects that explore stories of compassion, resilience, and community.
"My education at Campbellsville helped lay the foundation for a lifetime of ministry and service," Thornsberry said. "Now, more than two decades after graduating, I'm discovering new and creative ways to live out that calling. I hope this experience encourages others to follow their passions and remain open to the unexpected places God may lead them."
Thornsberry also holds a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, which he earned in 2020.
About Chris Thornsberry
Rev. Chris Thornsberry is a 2002 graduate of Campbellsville University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Christian Education. He currently serves as Associate Pastor at Epworth United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is an ordained Deacon in Full Connection in The United Methodist Church. In addition to his work in ministry, Thornsberry is a producer of the documentary The Protectors, which was selected for the 2026 Heartland International Film Festival.