A powerful new short film is illuminating the 2015 martyrdom of 21 Christians by ISIS, released on the 10-year anniversary of their murders. Titled The 21, this film tells their true story through beautiful and heart-wrenching animation inspired by neo-Coptic iconography, in a production for which The Chosen’s Jonathan Roumie served as executive producer.
The world watched in horror when ISIS militants beheaded 21 Christian prisoners – dressed in orange jump suits – on the shores of Libya on February 15, 2015. The killers themselves recorded the murders, showing all but the moments of death. Each man died with dignity, refusing to deny his faith in Jesus Christ. Pope Francis included the 20 Copts in the Roman martyrology in 2023, meaning that for the first time since the 5th century, Catholics and Copts share saints.
Although brief, the film follows the 21 Christians from their capture to their execution. It highlights the enduring faith of the 21 martyrs throughout their captivity, with one man even choosing to remain with his brothers in Christ rather than be released. Even while they were being tortured, these men held firm to their faith, chanting the “Kyrie,” and refusing to deny Jesus Christ.
In a press release, Executive Producer Jonathan Roumie reflected on the circumstances of the 21, and encouraged viewers to do the same:
“What if, by simply being in another land for work opportunities, I suddenly found myself a victim of kidnapping, and threatened with the gruesome sentence of beheading for not denying my faith in Jesus Christ?” Roumie considered.
He noted that these 21 martyrs were no different than the rest of us. They used social media and texted with emojis, they watched movies and played video games, some of them were even married with kids on the way. Each of them had ambitions and goals they wished to achieve before they were captured by ISIS:
“But in that moment of truth – that unthinkable moment where they were given the opportunity to choose their fate…” Roumie remarked. “To either live a life in apostasy, one of compromised faith by denying the Incarnate Word of Life Himself, or to die to themselves as well as this fleeting, carnal existence. One which, through grace ultimately leads to the life which truly matters … Eternal Life in Him.”
The film is available to watch for free from February 14 - 17, so don’t miss your chance to see the most powerful religious film yet released in 2025. Click here to watch The 21 and join the film’s mailing list to learn more.
