Client: The International Fund For Houbara Conservation (IFHC) is dedicated to the preservation of the houbara bustard. It was established to continue the legacy of conservation leadership, a vision articulated by Sheikh Zayed, which emphasizes ecological sustainability and the protection of wildlife.

Brief: This video was required to feature hand-drawn illustrations that narrate the story of falconry and its evolution in Emirati culture. It will showcase how the ancient practice of training falcons to hunt houbara has shifted into a conservation effort, sharing personal stories from local falconers. A voiceover in Arabic would underscore the historical relationship between falcons and houbara, highlighting their significance as symbols of Arabic heritage rather than just prey and predator.

Challenges: The main challenge was finding a balance between the historical significance of falconry and houbara conservation while keeping the video concise and engaging. We also needed to make sure that the animation style authentically represented the region’s traditional art forms without losing sight of the educational goals.

Solutions: We collaborated closely with IFHC to develop a script that captures the cultural importance of falconry alongside the successes in houbara conservation. We used a unique watercolour animation style to metaphorically illustrate the fluidity and evolution of these traditions in modern times.

Direction: I oversaw the project to ensure we met both artistic and narrative objectives. The digital artist created all the still drawings, and the animator brought these illustrations to life based on the provided layers. This collaboration was important for seamlessly integrating visual elements. In the initial drafts, we used an AI-generated voiceover to set the pace for the visuals and confirm the video’s duration, allowing for adjustments before finalization. The final product is a visually engaging video that uses simple animations to tell a compelling story about cultural heritage and conservation.