THE CHOSEN Star’s Next Project Tells the Story of These Christian Martyrs
By Movieguide® Contributor
Jonathan Roumie and a team of 70 artists have collaborated to honor the stories of 21 Neo-Coptic Christians who were killed for their faith by ISIS in 2015.
“As Christians, we know that death is not the end, nor even the greatest thing to fear,” Roumie said in a press release. “These brave men’s stories need to be told and shared so that the world will know in Whom we find the ultimate example of hope…one that is never extinguished.
“It’s up to those of us in the creative community, to make films like this to spotlight and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their faith: martyrs (and their families) who have shown the rest of us what discipleship truly means,” the actor added. “God’s love transcends and renews all things.”
READ MORE: HOW GOD PREPARED JONATHAN ROUMIE FOR HIS ROLE ON THE CHOSEN
The killing of these 21 men made international news in 2015 when ISIS posted a video of them lined up on a beach in orange jumpsuits before beheading them because they refused to dishonor their Christian faith. THE 21 will now share the stories of these men along with their friends and families.
“I think for many people, we’ve seen (and) remember the images — at least the orange jumpsuits where the 21 were beheaded,” said Mark Rodgers of More Productions, who produced a documentary on the men. “And we know that they did not recant their faith. What we don’t know is that that came only after weeks, if not even months, of torture and other efforts to get those 21 to recant of their faith.”
The 13-minute animated short has already received immense praise across the entertainment industry, having played at multiple film festivals. It was short-listed for an Oscar even though it has yet to officially release.
The movie hopes to provide a new look at these infamous killings, providing viewers with a new understanding to the victory these men had when they died for their faith. Until now, the only video about these killings available is the ISIS video itself, which was produced as a piece of propaganda.
“The brutal beheading highlighted the courage and unshakeable faith of the martyred men, proving that gentle faith is stronger than religious fear-mongering,” the team behind the movie explained. “Terrorism cannot triumph over sacrificial love.”
THE 21 will be available starting Feb. 15.
READ MORE: HOW THE CHOSEN STAR HOPES NEW SEASON IMPACTS FANS’ FAITH
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