The 21: Honoring Christian Martyrs 10 Years Later

Honoring 'The 21' Martyrs

• 🎬 The film "The 21" commemorates 21 Christian men, 20 Egyptians and one from Ghana, who were killed by ISIS in Libya in February 2015.
• 💔 Their families experienced devastating loss, mourning fathers, brothers, and sons who were simple men working to support their families.
• 🕊️ The men chose death over denying their faith, a decision made after weeks of torture and efforts to make them recant.

The Animated Film 'The 21'

• 🎨 The animated film, taking six years to produce with over 70 animators from 20 countries, aims to tell the story of these martyrs.
• 🌟 The film made it to the Oscar short list for best animated film, a visibility that allowed it to reach a wider audience.
• 🖼️ Traditional animation and sacred Coptic imagery were used to make the brutal story approachable and reflective, akin to iconography in the Coptic faith.
• 🎭 The film's approachability through animation is highlighted as crucial for conveying the difficult subject matter without being overly graphic.

Testimonies of Faith and Forgiveness

• 🙏 The martyrdom of these men is seen as a testament of faith for persecuted Christians worldwide, setting an example of what it means to be a believer.
• 💖 The families' message is not one of hate, but a desire for ISIS members to know the love of Christ, demonstrating profound forgiveness.
• 🌟 Miracles are shared, such as a boy's wrist healing instantly after his father appeared to him, showcasing divine intervention.
• 🌍 The film aims to inspire viewers to reflect on their own faith and what they would be willing to die for, posing a universal question about commitment.

Contemporary Persecution and Legacy

• ⚠️ The current era is described as the worst age of persecution in the 2,000-year history of the church, with increasing imprisonments and murders of Christians.
• 🤝 The film encourages Christians worldwide to support each other, especially the children of martyrs, acting as salt and light to the world.
• 🌟 The 21 are recognized as saints by both the Coptic and Catholic Churches, leaving a legacy of love, devotion, and sacrifice.
• 🚀 The filmmakers hope the film will promote understanding of Christian heritage, courage, and the freedom of religion, inspiring people to know Jesus.