This project focused on the violence faced by Rohingya hijras in refugee camps. The topic demanded emotional weight and careful visual treatment.
As Art Director, I shaped the visual approach to be sensitive to trauma while respecting the dignity of those who shared their stories. We used soft brush strokes, grainy textures, and layered animation, some over live-action footage to convey distress without showing directly graphic content. Silhouettes preserved identity while helping viewers connect to the survivors.
Cinematic shots were used during interviews to protect anonymity. Every design decision supported the survivors’ voices and kept the tone grounded and respectful.
The video was broadcast across CNN’s domestic and international channels, then adapted for social media. A one minute version on Instagram reached over 3 million views in its first week. The story was widely reshared by human rights organizations including UN Women and UNHCR.
For more info visit cnn.com
Reporters: Saharin Priya Shaoun, Ladan Anoushfar, Ankur Paliwal
Series Editors: Ankur Paliwal
As Equals Editors: Eliza Anyangwe, Meera Senthilingam
Senior Video Producer: Ladan Anoushfar
Video Editors: Ladan Anoushfar, Estefania Rodriguez
Art Director: Elisa Solinas
Design and Animation: Patrick Gallagher, Yukari Schrickel
Camera: Salman Saeed, Rawyan Shayema
Awards: 2025 Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Graphic Design & Art Direction
As Art Director, I shaped the visual approach to be sensitive to trauma while respecting the dignity of those who shared their stories. We used soft brush strokes, grainy textures, and layered animation, some over live-action footage to convey distress without showing directly graphic content. Silhouettes preserved identity while helping viewers connect to the survivors.
Cinematic shots were used during interviews to protect anonymity. Every design decision supported the survivors’ voices and kept the tone grounded and respectful.
The video was broadcast across CNN’s domestic and international channels, then adapted for social media. A one minute version on Instagram reached over 3 million views in its first week. The story was widely reshared by human rights organizations including UN Women and UNHCR.
For more info visit cnn.com
Reporters: Saharin Priya Shaoun, Ladan Anoushfar, Ankur Paliwal
Series Editors: Ankur Paliwal
As Equals Editors: Eliza Anyangwe, Meera Senthilingam
Senior Video Producer: Ladan Anoushfar
Video Editors: Ladan Anoushfar, Estefania Rodriguez
Art Director: Elisa Solinas
Design and Animation: Patrick Gallagher, Yukari Schrickel
Camera: Salman Saeed, Rawyan Shayema
Awards: 2025 Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Graphic Design & Art Direction