By Coptic Solidarity
On February 15, 2015, the world was stunned by a poignant image of modern martyrdom. Islamic terrorists had captured 21 men several months earlier in Libya, pressured them to renounce their faith in Christ, and convert to Islam. The 21 refused to convert, and as a result, were brutally beheaded on a Mediterranean beach.
Each year on February 15, Coptic Solidarity honors the sacrifice and memory of all modern Coptic martyrs. We remember the millions of Copts who struggle through each day as living martyrs, oppressed and subjugated by the Egyptian government and the society at large, for no other reason than their Christian faith.
This year, we encourage all of our supporters to view a new short film, The 21 which is the creation of MORE Productions’ founder, Mark Rodgers. This 13-minute animated film influenced by neo-Coptic iconography was created by a team of more than 70 artists from 24 countries, working in collaboration with the global Coptic community. As the film makers explain:
“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…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.”
The film will be available to view for free on YouTube over the weekend starting on Friday, February 15. For any questions and more information, please contact The 21 team.
