The 21

This short film pays tribute to the bravery of 21 Coptic Christians martyred by ISIS for refusing to recant their faith in Jesus. They follow in the footsteps of countless thousands who have been martyred for their faith throughout history, and many who have been martyred since in dark places like Nigeria.

Their story is a testament to the power of their faith and the love of their Savior. The challenge in telling a story like this is not to simply glamorize the martyrs as heroes or villainize their captors as evil spawn of the devil. All Christians who read the words of Jesus know that their faith is risky, but that God is a master at turning evil into good. Just look at Jesus on the Cross, and ponder the power of the resurrection!

This film is artistically intriguing and tastefully presents a very difficult story. I hope and pray that it gets a wide showing by a thoughtfully receptive audience.

I am deeply familiar with the story of the 21 Martyrs of Libya. I have read books about them and read all the news coverage about ISIS's savage act. So I did not expect to be so deeply moved by this short animated film of their story. Its narration is simple and just enough. The art echoes Coptic iconography while also being true to the modern age during which this happened. The music and soundscape brought us right into their spiritual and physical world. I highly recommend this film and thank the creators for their thoughtful, prayerful and moving depiction of the martyrdom of these Coptic Orthodox young men.

The short animated film honoring the 21 Coptic martyrs of Libya is a profound and evocative tribute, seamlessly blending art, history, and faith. Produced by a global team of over 70 artists from 24 countries, the film stands as a testament to collaborative creativity and cultural reverence. Narrated in English with Arabic dialogue, it bridges linguistic and artistic boundaries to tell a story of immense historical and spiritual significance.

Having seen an earlier version of this film last year, I was struck by the remarkable evolution in its artwork and soundtrack. The final version exudes a level of polish and emotional depth that is nothing short of astonishing. The animation captures the solemn beauty and timeless spirituality of Coptic iconography, while the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack underscores the gravity of the narrative.

The juxtaposition of real-life footage with animation is masterful, amplifying the film's emotional resonance. Viewers are drawn into the palpable tension and courage of the Coptic Christians facing martyrdom, juxtaposed with the confusion and frustration of their ISIS captors. This interplay invites profound reflection, leaving one to contemplate the extraordinary faith and conviction that have inspired martyrs throughout history to embrace sacrifice.

This film is not just a work of art but a moving exploration of resilience, faith, and humanity. It achieves the rare feat of turning a deeply painful chapter of history into a poignant reminder of the enduring power of belief and the universal struggle for justice and dignity.

As a copt, the martyrdom of the 21 was an incredibly traumatic experience. Although the eyes of the world were on the Coptic Christians it always felt like the world didn't understand what they seeing. This animation, being published ten years after the incident has made me feel so seen. I have watched it countless times and each time I am drawn to tears. It turned an earth shattering scene of resilient faith into a digestible display of the events endured by the best ambassadors of my ancestors. The Coptic art style has brought to life the ancient stories passed down by my ancestors in such an authentic way. I cannot put in words the gratitude I have for this production and I can't wait to watch it again!

"The 21" impresses not only with the boldness of its theme but also with the creativity of its execution. Based on the tragic events of 2015, when 21 men were brutally executed by ISIS, the film transforms this story into a powerful audiovisual tribute to the courage and unshakable faith of the victims. By tackling such a painful and sensitive subject, the filmmakers strike an admirable balance between respect, art, and cinematic storytelling, creating a work that goes beyond the initial shock to reach something deeply meaningful.

The film's visual style is undoubtedly one of its greatest triumphs. By adopting the aesthetics of "neo-Coptic iconography," the animators were able to capture the spiritual essence of Coptic faith and translate it into a unique and powerful visual language. The use of solid colors, geometric shapes, and almost abstract imagery creates an atmosphere rich in symbolism. Each frame feels like a sacred painting, carefully composed to evoke deep emotions. This stylistic choice not only honors the artistic tradition of the victims' faith but also offers an immersive and unforgettable visual experience for the audience.

The narrative, in turn, is handled with a sobriety that amplifies the emotional impact of the film. The use of a guided and carefully scripted narration provides a sense of structure that helps the audience process the disturbing content. At the same time, the film doesn't shy away from showing the cruelty of the act it depicts, but it does so in an artistic and reflective way, turning the horror into a meditation on human resilience and the strength of faith in the face of hatred.

The technical elements of "The 21" are equally impressive. The sound design plays a crucial role, using a minimalist soundtrack and carefully measured sound effects to heighten the dramatic weight of each scene. The editing work, on the other hand, is masterful, with precise transitions and a montage that guides the audience's gaze almost like choreography. The attention to detail in constructing each sequence reveals the level of planning and dedication involved in the production. This meticulous approach, combined with the expressive power of the visual style, elevates the film to a level of technical excellence rarely seen in animated short films.

Another standout feature is how "The 21" uses its cinematic language to engage with broader issues. In addition to being a memorial to the victims, the short film is a reflection on the power of fear and faith. It contrasts inhuman brutality with spiritual dignity, reminding us that violence can never erase the strength of the human spirit. It's a film that, while deeply rooted in a specific tragedy, speaks to all who have faced injustice, oppression, or loss.

"The 21" is more than just a short film: it's a work of art and a historical document. Its ability to transform pain and violence into beauty and contemplation is a testament to the power of art to animate real stories. Combining creativity, technique, and a deep sense of humanity, the film not only honors the 21 men it commemorates but also challenges the audience to reflect on the values that unite us in the face of cruelty. An essential and unforgettable work.