“Powerful, heart wrenching, challenging and inspiring… not to mention exquisitely beautiful."

- Glen Keane, winner, Academy Award for Best Short (Animated) Film

"Powerful and beautifully crafted... the design and craftsmanship is excellent."

- Tomm Moore, three-time Academy Award nominee

“A moving tribute to bravery. Its beautiful visuals support an intense story about sacrifice and faith.”

- Ricky Nierva, Production Designer: Up, Monsters University. Art Director: Finding Nemo

“This film beautifully encompasses true strength, sacrifice, brotherhood and hope.”

- Nora Twomey, Director: The Breadwinner

"A masterpiece of story, art, and faith." 

- Matthew Luhn, Writer and Director, Author of The Best Story Wins

“The 21 is profound and deeply cathartic. To witness our beloved artform used so masterfully in such a poetic and soulful way is miraculous. BRAVO!" 

- Jorge R. Gutierrez, The Book of Life

“Moving, and beautifully done. The story is heartbreaking and inspiring. I had not heard of this incident prior to watching, so thank you as well for educating me in such a powerful way.”

- Eric Goldberg, animation legend, Pocahontas, Looney Tunes, Fantasia 2000

“Using powerful elegant imagery that echoes a classical animation style, Tod Polson has visualized a remarkable true story of courage, suffering and forgiveness that is thought-provoking and timely”

- Bill Kroyer, Oscar nominee, computer animation pioneer

“The 21 is both an important historical work and a work of art. I was moved by the layered and poetic journey of The 21, presented in this film from a perspective of peace and rooted in Coptic iconography. This will stay with you for a while.”

- Frederick Gardner, Emmy winner, Powerpuff Girls, Juniper Lee