Exploring the Profound Faith of Coptic Martyrs in the Film ‘The 21’

Exploring the Profound Faith of Coptic Martyrs in the Film ‘The 21’

A new film commemorates a tragic chapter in history that shook the world ten years ago, recounting the heart-wrenching beheadings of 21 Coptic Christians by ISIS militants. Titled ‘The 21’, the film not only portrays the harrowing events but also highlights the remarkable faith of the martyrs who remained steadfast in their beliefs until their final moments.

A Tribute to Unyielding Faith

Producer Mandi Hart reflects on the unimaginable circumstances these men faced during 40 days of captivity, stating, ‘I don’t know that I’ll ever get over imagining the countless opportunities they had to save their own lives. To a man, all 21 were true to their faith until the end.’

Presentation at the International Religious Freedom Summit

‘The 21’ premiered at the recent International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, D.C. This gathering served as an important platform to address the issues of religious persecution worldwide, highlighting the brutal reality faced by Christians in some parts of the globe.

The film revisits the shocking events of February 15, 2015, which were not only horrifying because of their violence but also because the Islamic extremists filmed the executions, intending to instill fear and propagate their ideology.

Animation and Iconography in Storytelling

To mitigate the horror while conveying a message of hope, ‘The 21’ employs animation interspersed with actual footage from ISIS propaganda. The animation’s style draws heavily from Orthodox iconography, which is notable for its rich colors and symbolism, reflecting the cultural heritage of the Coptic Christians.

Hart emphasized the need to honor the unique attributes of the Coptic tradition, stating, ‘We wanted a project that encapsulated the essence of their faith, particularly their way of illustrating stories through art.’

The Personal Impact of Their Story

In a recent interview on the ‘Lighthouse Faith’ podcast, Hart discussed the transformative experience of learning about the martyrs’ sacrifices. She expressed deep reverence for the strength these men showed under unimaginable pressure.

The victims were simple laborers from Egypt, working abroad in Libya when ISIS abducted them, demanding they renounce their faith in Jesus Christ to earn their freedom. Yet, each man resolutely refused.

The Horror of Creation and Barbarism

For more than a month, the Coptic Christians endured abuse and torture. Their final moments, dressed in orange jumpsuits and paraded before the camera, revealed the calculated cruelty of their captors as masked militants executed them on a sandy hill.

Hart remarked on the brutal tactics used by ISIS, who hoped that the gruesome nature of the killings would compel at least one of the men to recant. However, none did. One martyr even requested to be the last, demonstrating extraordinary courage.

The Depth of Their Faith

Reflecting on the martyrs’ conviction, Hart admitted, ‘There are no words to describe the depth of their faith. I can’t fathom myself in their position, yet their unwavering dedication is truly remarkable.’

Hart chose not to view the original ISIS footage, finding it too distressing, while director Tod Polson faced it once, describing it as an agonizing yet inspiring visual experience.

The Eyes of the Families

Polson revealed that many families of the martyrs keep the ISIS video playing in their homes to honor their loved ones. Some even expressed that ‘The 21’ fails to capture the violence they endured, as they wish the world to understand the full extent of their suffering.

Supernatural Elements and Spiritual Warfare

ISIS’s intention behind filming their atrocities was propaganda, aimed at promoting their twisted narrative. Yet, interviews with former ISIS members revealed another layer to the story—supernatural phenomena surrounding the executions.

Hart shared that one ex-ISIS member mentioned witnessing shadowy figures accompanying the martyrs, lending spiritual depth to their martyrdom. This aspect has been depicted in the film, suggesting a battle between divine and dark forces took place on that beach.

A Call to Remember

The faith demonstrated by the Coptic martyrs resonates as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of believers facing persecution. The Coptic community, which traces its origins back to the early Christian church, has weathered immense challenges for 2,000 years.

Pundits estimate the Coptic Church may have witnessed millions of martyrs throughout history, their legacy bearing witness to the extraordinary, steadfast faith in the face of relentless oppression.

Forgiveness and Unity

In their final words, the martyrs sought forgiveness for their killers, echoing the words of Jesus during His crucifixion. At a time when many shy away from professing faith openly, the film serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in faith.

Hart recalled a poignant counsel from the Coptic Archbishop of London, who suggested considering the moment when the former ISIS member becomes a believer. On that day, the 21 martyrs will welcome him into heaven as a brother, illustrating how faith binds even the fiercest of enemies.

A Legacy of Faith

The story of ‘The 21’ is not just about the 21 martyrs; it is a tribute to the profound faith of the Coptic Christians. As they continue to navigate a landscape marked by persecution, their enduring legacy serves as a source of inspiration and hope for believers worldwide.