Jonathan Roumie Unveils the Powerful Story Behind 'The 21' Martyr Documentary
Jonathan Roumie, best known for his portrayal of Jesus in The Chosen , has taken on a deeply moving project with The 21 , a documentary that sheds light on the heroic martyrdom of 21 Christian men at the hands of ISIS. This film, released to mark the 10th anniversary of their tragic execution, goes beyond the well-known ISIS video to reveal the untold story of faith, sacrifice, and divine intervention.
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The project started when producer Mandi Hart’s business partner, Mark Rodgers, visited Cairo in 2019. During his trip, he explored "Garbage City," a Coptic community where families live among the refuse they collect and sort. There, he saw images of the martyrs adorning homes and buildings, a testament to their enduring legacy. Realizing that only the brutal ISIS footage was widely known, he felt compelled to honor their story in a way that truly reflected their faith and sacrifice. That conversation sparked the idea for The 21 .
One of the most compelling aspects of the documentary is the central question it poses to viewers: What would you be willing to die for? Mandi Hart shared how this question deeply resonated with the filmmakers throughout production. She was particularly inspired by the global community of artists who voluntarily contributed their talents to bring the story to life. Their collective effort has given the film an international reach, touching audiences worldwide.
Roumie, along with the film’s creators, hopes that The 21 will prompt viewers to reflect on the unwavering faith of these men. The martyrs refused to renounce their belief in Jesus Christ, choosing instead to lay down their lives. Their sacrifice was so profound that, in 2023, Pope Francis and Coptic Pope Tawadros II jointly recognized them as saints—an unprecedented move since the Church split in the 5th century.
For those who have only seen the infamous ISIS footage, The 21 offers a powerful alternative: a story of hope, faith, and ultimate victory in Christ. It is a tribute not just to the martyrs themselves, but to the resilience of faith in the face of persecution.
As audiences around the world watch this gripping film, one thing becomes clear—these men did not die in vain. Their faith lives on, inspiring countless others to stand firm in their beliefs, no matter the cost.
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