This was our second time teaming up with director Nicholas Mihm, and getting to join the project before filming was complete was a dream. We spent the first few months developing concept art based on key story and thematic elements. What we love about being brought in this early on a documentary is that the animation can help shape the film’s storytelling from the ground up. A number of the pieces we created early on helped guide how Mihm finished interviews and approached the edit.

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One visual idea that became a throughline was the Simurgh — a mythical bird in Persian culture that symbolizes rebirth. We wove that into the animated sequences to underscore Bubjan’s journey and transformation. Across the film, our team brought to life a series of emotionally-driven sequences designed to elevate memory, metaphor, and moments too painful or powerful to show with live action alone.