In 2015, in a now infamous video, ISIS terrorists beheaded 21 men on the beach in Smyrna, Libya. The ISIS leader claimed they would dye the oceans red with the blood of the executed infidels.
However, "the brutal beheading highlighted the courage and unwavering faith of the martyred men, proving that gentle faith is stronger than religious alarmism," explain the film's producers in their presentation of the film 'The 21'.
Martyrs
In fact, in 2023, Pope Francis included these 21 Coptic martyrs in the Roman Martyrology, recognizing them as martyrs. In May of that year, when receiving in audience the Tawadros IIthe head of the Coptic-Orthodox Church, the Pontiff announced as follows:
"These martyrs were baptized not only in water and the Spirit, but also in blood, a blood that is the seed of unity for all followers of Christ. I am pleased to announce today that, with the consent of His Holiness (Tawadros II), these 21 martyrs will be included in the Roman Martyrology as a sign of the spiritual communion that unites our two Churches."
With the Coptic community
'The 21' is a short animated film inspired by neocoptic iconography, and produced in collaboration with the global Coptic community by a team of more than 70 artists from over 24 countries. It can be viewed at here by entering your e-mail address.
Until now, the ISIS video has been the only publicly available visual account of the 21 martyrs' deaths, the producers add.
"Produced as a propaganda piece, the video does not show the spiritual victory achieved by the holy martyrs, which creates the need for a more truthful account of what really happened. This animation project aims to present a more accurate narrative of the kidnapping, arrest and execution of the saints."
Family, friends and clergy
The short film was developed based on extensive research and multiple conversations with family members, friends and Coptic clergy who knew the 21. "We worked with dozens of Copts, including iconographers, musicians and animators, to create a compelling film that pays homage to the Coptic faith and its traditions.
The Coptic community finds strength and comfort in its long history of saints and martyrs, and the 21 have joined that lineage. Their example of love and forgiveness is a wake-up call for the world to honor and emulate."
Tod Polson and Jonathan Roumie
Tod Polson, former creative director of Cartoon Saloon, has directed the team for five years with Mandi Hart, and among others, as executive producer, Jonathan Roumiewhich gives life to Jesus in the series The Chosenwhose fifth season will be released in theaters beginning in March, with a subsequent release on 'The Chosen' streaming app. Mark Rodgers, founder of MORE Productions, which produced the film, visited Egypt in 2019 and decided to launch the film.
Coptic and non-Coptic iconographers have influenced the development of the aesthetics of the movie 'The 21which is inspired by the neo-Coptic style. And the original music has been composed and recorded by the Ayoub Sisters, classically trained musicians who incorporate Coptic hymns and liturgy into their music.
