The 21

In 2015, a now-infamous video released by ISIS showed the beheading of 21 men on a Libyan beach. The ISIS leader vowed to turn the oceans red with the blood of executed infidels. Yet, this brutal act instead highlighted the courage and unshakable faith of the martyred men, proving that gentle faith is stronger than religious intimidation. Terrorism cannot overcome sacrificial love. To this day, the ISIS propaganda video remains the only publicly available visual record of the 21 martyrs' deaths. As a piece of propaganda, it fails to capture the spiritual victory achieved by these saintly martyrs, creating a need for a more truthful account of what truly transpired. The "21 Martyrs" film project aims to fulfill this need by presenting a more accurate narrative of the saints' abduction, imprisonment, and execution. Our short film is based on extensive research and numerous conversations with the families, friends, and Coptic clergy who knew the 21. Collaborating with dozens of Copts, including iconographers and animators, MORE Productions has crafted a compelling film that honors the Coptic faith and its traditions. The Coptic community draws strength and solace from its long history of saints and martyrs, and the 21 have now joined that lineage. Their example of love and forgiveness serves as a clarion call for the world to honor and emulate. The film was animated by a world-class team of artists led by Tod Polson, formerly of Cartoon Saloon. Coptic iconographers have played a pivotal role in shaping the film's aesthetic, which draws inspiration from the Neo-Coptic style.