Film Lens
The 21 is a 13-minute animated short film directed by Tod Polson that recounts the tragic story of 21 Coptic Christians murdered by ISIS in Libya in 2015. The film depicts the events leading up to their execution, including their kidnapping, torture, and refusal to convert to Islam. It emphasizes their faith and martyrdom, as all the men chose to uphold their Christian beliefs despite the threats they faced.
The production involved collaboration with Coptic Christians to accurately represent their faith and traditions. Director Tod Polson visited Egypt to connect with the victims' families and gather insights from former ISIS members and journalists. The film's visual style draws heavily from traditional Coptic iconography, aiming to honor the memory of the victims and their faith.
Why Watch
- •See the story of 21 Coptic Christians' faith under duress.
- •Find out how traditional Coptic iconography is represented.
- •Meet the families of the victims through the film's narrative.
Did You Know
•21 Coptic Christians were murdered by ISIS in Libya in 2015.
•The film was shortlisted for the 97th Academy Awards on December 17, 2024.
•The majority of the victims were construction workers from Egypt.
•The Coptic Orthodox Church declared the victims martyrs in 2015.
Perfect For
Coptic Christian historyAnimated short filmsMartyrdom stories