The 21: A Testament to Faith and Sacrifice
A powerful new film, “The 21,” marks the 10-year anniversary of the tragic execution of 21 Coptic Christians by ISIS. This cinematic tribute recounts the horror of their deaths while also highlighting their remarkable faith, illustrating how these men steadfastly refused to renounce their Savior, even in their final moments.
A Story of Ultimate Faith
Producer Mandi Hart poignantly reflects on the sacrificial stance taken by the martyrs:
“I don’t know that I’ll ever get over imagining, in the course of 40-some-odd days of captivity, how many nanoseconds of opportunity they had to save their own lives. And to a man, all 21 of them were true to the end.”
The film premiered last week at the International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, D.C., serving as a stark reminder of the terror that ensued on February 15, 2015—a day when ISIS broadcasted their brutal slaughter of the Coptic Christians to the world.
A Unique Approach to Retelling the Tragedy
Unlike traditional documentaries that might dwell on the gruesome details, “The 21” employs a distinctive artistic style by utilizing animation inspired by Orthodox iconography, an art form deeply rooted in Coptic Christian tradition. This film melds stylized animation with real ISIS propaganda footage, crafting a profoundly moving account that emphasizes faith over fear.
Hart explains the reasoning behind their artistic approach:
“We wanted a project that would reflect the cultural distinctiveness of the Coptic tradition, particularly its iconography… the symbolism, colors, and shapes that are all about creating an icon.”
The Men Who Chose Faith Over Life
The 21 martyrs were Egyptian laborers in Libya when they were captured by ISIS. Faced with a desperate ultimatum—to renounce their faith in Jesus Christ or face death—each man chose unwavering faith.
For more than a month, they endured torture and abuse before being paraded to a shore in bright orange jumpsuits, where their executioners awaited their fates.
Hart highlights an especially brutal reality not captured in the film:
“They were beheaded one by one. ISIS did that, hoping that witnessing such a gruesome death would persuade at least one of them to recant… but none did. In fact, one man even asked to be last.”
The Emotional Impact on the Filmmakers
Hart chose not to watch the actual footage of the executions due to its overwhelming nature. In contrast, director Tod Polson did view it, finding it profoundly affecting:
“The original video made by ISIS is surreal. I’ve only seen it once, but it’s forever burned into my memory. It’s as heartbreaking as it is inspiring… seeing their faith demonstrated up close was overwhelming.”
Furthermore, Polson observed that many of the martyrs’ families continue to play the original ISIS video in their homes, feeling that “The 21” isn’t violent enough to fully convey the horror of what transpired.
The Unexpected Supernatural Encounters
Beyond the human courage displayed, new revelations emerge from interviews with former ISIS members suggesting supernatural entities may have appeared during the executions.
According to Hart, one ex-ISIS militant recounted experiencing earthquakes and shadowy figures during the execution—some brandishing swords, others garbed in unfamiliar clothing. This eerie account resonates with the film’s portrayal, where angels, or perhaps even Jesus Himself, are depicted alongside the martyrs, seemingly affirming God’s presence in their final moments.
A Life-Changing Conversion
One ISIS fighter was reportedly so terrified by what he witnessed that he later fled and ultimately found faith, converting to Christianity and being secretly baptized—a profound testament to faith’s power even in the shadow of evil.
Hart shared,
“Those 21 Coptic men will welcome him to heaven as their brother. Only in Christ can natural-born enemies become one people.”
The Enduring Legacy of the 21 Martyrs
The Coptic Orthodox Church, one of the earliest Christian traditions, has endured persecution for nearly 2,000 years, with scholars estimating that millions have been martyred throughout the centuries for their beliefs.
The legacy of the 21 martyrs continues to inspire millions around the globe. Their final words echoed those of Jesus on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
At a time when the name of Jesus is often met with ridicule, “The 21” serves as a potent reminder of faith’s eternal power—a name that provided these courageous men with strength, courage, and ultimately, victory over death.