Meet The TFI Team

Richard made his broadcasting mark by winning five television Ace Awards for a signature network music series. Richard then segued from production to management, while pursuing his Master’s in Film at Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. and has produced for CBN Network. Richard Polite comes to us with over 30 years of creative television and film experience. 

Richard Polite is the Managing Director of TFI responsible for the day to day operations of the institute.

Dr. Keuthan has received multiple awards at Faith-Based Film Festivals for his work. His feature film script, "Deep in the Heart: The Ballad of Ruthie and Beau," won the gold medal at the Houston Worldfest International Film Competition. He also adapted Bernard Malamud's short story "The Silver Crown" into a short film, which was nominated for a Student Academy Award, won the Platinum Remi award at Houston Worldfest, and was selected as an Official Selection at the Cannes Film Festival.

Douglas Miller is a feature-film cinematographer known for his clear, emotionally nuanced visual style. His credits include An Unlikely Angel (PureFlix), The Mulligan (ICFF Award winner for Best Cinematography), and God’s Compass (drama rooted in spiritual realism). With each project, Douglas brings cinematic precision, lighting finesse, and framing that support storytelling and character depth. Doug has worked in film and television production for over 40 years. Working in camera and lighting, he has traveled across the world making images in more than 17 countries. 

Chey Sanders has been teaching, directing, coaching, writing and producing for over 30 years. She served as the Education Director at Creative Arts Theater & School as Head Acting Consultant.

Her undergraduate degree is a BA in Secondary Education Drama/Theater from the University of Hawaii. She has two masters, one in Communication Radio, TV, Film and an MA in Marriage/Family Counseling, both from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

 Alex Kendrick is an American pastor, filmmaker, actor, author, and producer renowned for his influential faith-based films. He is Co-founder of Sherwood Pictures, Kendrick Brothers Productions, Director of Overcomer & War Room. Kenrick is an ordained minister and New York Times best-selling co-author of "The Love Dare", and "The Resolution for Men."​  He is also an accomplished actor and screenwriter whose credits include Facing the Giants, Fireproof and Courageous.   

Alex Kendrick is one of the most celebrated and successful Christian filmmakers in America.

Tad Newberry is a 25-year veteran in film production, communications, and the visual arts. Multi-Telly Award winner, he has made a niche for himself working in reality television, and he has also done commercials, music videos, and short films. As head joke writer, director, and editor for several long-running cable sports television shows, his work has aired on the Bravo Network, NBC Sports Outdoors, Destination America, and others. His education includes a B.A. in Business Admin. and an M.A. in Film Communications.

Leann Barna holds an M.A. in Cinema and Television/Script and Screenwriting, and an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Regent University.

She has worked as a story analyst for studios, production companies, and screenwriting competitions, including PureFlix, Disney, Mar Vista Entertainment, BlueCat Screenplay Competition, Goldcrest Films, and Eclectic Pictures. She has extensive experience in all aspects of film festival production, including judging/programming for the DTLA Film Festival, NYC Independent Film Festival, and the Artemis Women in Action Film Festival.

 Born in Orange County, California, Bruce’s first role was in a 1985 episode of Murder, She Wrote, which was followed by appearances in LA Law, Columbo, Days of Our Lives and General Hospital to name a few.

Marchiano has portrayed Jesus in more films than any actor in history; a distinction he holds as a great honor. As a Hollywood actor, Bruce became a Christ follower. In 1993 he was cast to portray Jesus in The Gospel of Matthew, widely considered one of the most landmark Jesus films ever made. The experience was life-changing, and Bruce turned from his secular career to Christian films, ministry and writing. Bruce's many  Christian films are numerous including the Pure Flix hit - The Encounter.

In his epic 40+ year career, this Oscar-winning filmmaker has produced 5 Spielberg-directed movies, Hook, Schindler's List, Jurassic Park, The Lost World, and Minority Report and a dozen other great projects, including the recent mega-blockbuster, The Meg.