In February 2015, the Islamic State (ISIS) released a shocking video showing the brutal execution of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians on a beach in Libya. Dressed in orange jumpsuits, the men were led by masked terrorists before being beheaded for refusing to renounce their faith in Jesus Christ.
A decade later, a global team of producers and 70 artists collaborated to honour their unwavering faith through a film titled The 21. The film was recently shortlisted for an Academy Award, a recognition of its high quality, though it did not make the final list of nominees.
Joel Rosenberg, host of The Rosenberg Report on TBN and Editor-in-Chief of All Israel News, travelled to Cairo with his wife, Lynn, to attend the film’s premiere.
“Lynn and I loved this film,” Rosenberg shared. “It begins in late 2018 when President el-Sisi invited me and a group of Evangelical Christian leaders to meet him in New York, ahead of his speech at the UN General Assembly.”
During this meeting, President el-Sisi announced his plan to gift Egypt’s 17 million Christians the largest cathedral in the Middle East—the Church of the Nativity—completed in time for Christmas 2019. Rosenberg was invited to bring an Evangelical delegation for the occasion.
On his return to Egypt, Rosenberg was joined by Mark and Leanne Rogers. Mark, a former chief of staff to a US senator, later founded a company producing faith-based films. During their visit, they learned about the tragic story of the 21 martyrs.
“We were deeply moved,” Rosenberg recalled. “When we returned home, Mark and Leanne felt the Holy Spirit stirring in them. Mark realised, ‘We need to make a film to honour these men.’”
Jonathan Roumie’s Connection to The 21
Once the film was completed, the Rogers invited Rosenberg and his wife to its premiere in Egypt, where they also met Jonathan Roumie, an executive producer on the project. Roumie, best known for portraying Jesus in The Chosen, has a personal connection to the story—his father was born and raised in Egypt, and some of his relatives are Coptic Orthodox.
In an interview with Rosenberg, Roumie explained why he joined the production.
“Your reaction was exactly like mine when I first saw it,” he said. “The resilience of these men, their refusal to deny their faith even in the face of death—it was incredibly inspiring. As a man of faith, I felt compelled to be part of this project, to help share this powerful story.”
Unlike a traditional documentary, The 21 uses animation with Egyptian iconography to bring the story to life.
“The animation allows for a more impactful retelling,” Roumie noted. “I believe it will inspire many to explore the depth of faith and what it truly means to follow Christ.”
For Roumie, screening the film in Egypt was a deeply personal experience.
“As an artist and executive producer of The 21, presenting the film in Cairo—my father’s homeland—was a dream come true. Seeing the places I had imagined as a child made it even more special,” he shared.
A Challenge to Believers
Rosenberg emphasised the importance of the film’s message.
“We must all reflect on the courage of these 21 men who stood firm in their faith. No amount of money or fear could make them renounce Jesus. Their next sight was Him,” he said.
Roumie agreed.
“The film asks a question every Christian must consider: How would we respond in their place? Could we remain faithful? I find myself challenged by this thought, and I pray my answer would be yes.”
Discussing his role as Jesus in The Chosen, Roumie admitted it has been life-changing.
“I can’t portray divinity—only my own humanity. Fortunately, the words are written for me, taken from scripture,” he explained.
Through The 21, Roumie hopes to honour the martyrs’ legacy and inspire others to stand firm in their faith, no matter the cost.
