CNN Opinion
Zaid
Animated Explainer
We approached Zaid’s story by using mixed media to bridge the gap between his childhood perspective and the audience's understanding of his environment. This approach allowed us to capture the fragmented and layered nature of his memories—where moments of innocence are intertwined with the harsh realities of war.
Through a combination of hand-drawn elements, textured animations, and subtle photographic overlays, we created a visual language that immersed the viewer in Zaid’s world. The mixed media approach brought a tactile, tangible quality to his experience, connecting audiences to the physicality of life in Gaza—from windowless rooms to the debris-laden streets.
10-year-old Zaid was born and raised in Gaza. He lived there until Israeli bombardment forced his family to escape, but he still sees his home in his dreams. From sleeping in windowless rooms to avoid shattered glass, to the loss of a beloved family dog, this is his story of life under siege, and fleeing "the worst war" he'd ever seen.
To learn more visit CNN.com
Executive Producer: Alexandra King
Art Direction: Elisa Solinas
Design & Animation: Agne Jurkenaite
Adt Animation: Duncan Senkumba
Awards: 2024 Online News Association: Digital Video Storytelling - Social Media
Through a combination of hand-drawn elements, textured animations, and subtle photographic overlays, we created a visual language that immersed the viewer in Zaid’s world. The mixed media approach brought a tactile, tangible quality to his experience, connecting audiences to the physicality of life in Gaza—from windowless rooms to the debris-laden streets.
10-year-old Zaid was born and raised in Gaza. He lived there until Israeli bombardment forced his family to escape, but he still sees his home in his dreams. From sleeping in windowless rooms to avoid shattered glass, to the loss of a beloved family dog, this is his story of life under siege, and fleeing "the worst war" he'd ever seen.
To learn more visit CNN.com
Executive Producer: Alexandra King
Art Direction: Elisa Solinas
Design & Animation: Agne Jurkenaite
Adt Animation: Duncan Senkumba
Awards: 2024 Online News Association: Digital Video Storytelling - Social Media