On February 15, 2015, militants of the Islamic State (ISIS) brutally executed 21 Coptic Christians in a Libyan beach. Now, on the tenth anniversary of her martyrdom, an animated short film titled The 21 It pays tribute to these men who died for refusing to renounce their faith in Jesus Christ.
This 13 -minute animated film was produced by More Productions in collaboration with the Copta Global community. Actor Jonathan Rouumie, recognized for playing Jesus in the series The Chosenhe participated as the Executive Producer of the project.
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The 21 will be available for free in www.the21film.com From February 14 to 17. After that date, viewers must register their email to access the movie.
Mark Rodgers, founder of More Productions, visited Egypt in 2019 and felt the call to create a film that highlighted the spiritual victory of the martyrs. The 21 It tells precisely the kidnapping, detention and execution of these men, based on extensive research and multiple conversations with family, friends and cops that knew them.
The original music was composed and interpreted by the Ayoub Sisters, classically formed music that incorporate hymns and coopta liturgy into their work.
The film is also distinguished by its use of neo-Copta iconography. Tod Polson, former creative director of Cartoon Saloon, led a team of more than 70 world -class artists, from more than 70 countries, during a production process that took five years.
“As Christians, we know that death is not the end, not even the greatest reason for fear. The history of these brave men must be told and shared so that the world knows who we find the supreme example of hope … a hope that never goes out, ”Rouumie said in a press release.
“It depends on us, in the creative community, to make films like this to give visibility and honor those who made the maximum sacrifice for their faith: martyrs (and their families) that have shown us what the discipleship really means and how it looks like the Holiness, ”he added. “The love of God transcends and renews all things.”
In May 2023, Pope Francis included these 21 Coptic martyrs in the Roman martyrology, the official registration of Santos of the Catholic Church, recognizing them as martyrs. It was the first time in history that the Catholic Church recognized Coptic Christians as saints.
Translated and adapted by ACI Press. Originally published in CNA.
Francesca Purchio Fenton
Francesca Pollio Fenton is responsible for social networks of Catholic News Agency. He received his degree in communications with emphasis on digital media from the University of Colorado, in Denver (United States).