About the Film

In 2015, in a now-infamous video, ISIS terrorists beheaded 21 men on a Libyan beach. The ISIS leader claimed they would turn the oceans red with the blood of executed infidels. Yet the brutal beheading highlighted the courage and unshakeable faith of the martyred men, proving that gentle faith is stronger than religious fear-mongering. Terrorism cannot triumph over sacrificial love.

Until now, the ISIS video has been the only publicly available visual storytelling concerning the death of the 21 martyrs. Produced as a piece of propaganda, the video does not showcase the spiritual victory won by the martyred saints, creating a need for a more truthful account of what really happened. The 21 film project aims to meet this need by presenting a more accurate narrative of the sainted men’s abduction, detention and execution. Our short film has been developed based on extensive research and multiple conversations with the family members, friends and Coptic clergy who knew the 21.

We have worked with dozens of Copts, including iconographers, musicians and animators, to craft a compelling film that honors the Coptic faith and their traditions. The Coptic community draws strength and comfort from their long history of saints and martyrs, and the 21 have joined that lineage. Their example of love and forgiveness is a clarion call for the world to honor and emulate.

The film has been animated by a global team of 70+ world-class artists from more than 70 countries. Tod Polson, former creative director at Cartoon Saloon, has led the team over five years of production. Coptic and other iconographers have been influential in the development of the film's aesthetic, which takes its cues from the Neo-Coptic style.

Original music has been composed and recorded by the renowned Ayoub Sisters, classically trained musicians who incorporate Coptic hymns and liturgy into their music.

Now that the film is finished, we look forward to sharing it with the world!

  • Consider supporting us financially

    Please consider supporting our film! Donations go to hiring more animators and speed up production of the film.

    Click Here

  • Join our Newsletter

    Once a month we send out a newsletter to our supporters with updates about the project. Subscribe to our email list below.

    Click Here

  • Tell a friend about our project

    We want to reach as many people as we can with the power, hope, and inspiration of the 21 Martyrs. Visit our Facebook, Instagram or Youtube pages to share!

    Social Media