Dec 9, 2024

2025 Academy Awards Short Contender: “Zoo,” directed by Tariq Limawi

Cartoon Brew spotlights an animated short film that has been nominated for the 2025 Academy Awards.

In this issue, we present “Zoo” by Jordanian filmmaker Tariq Limawi. This short film qualified for an Academy Award upon its theatrical release.

Based on a true story, “Zoo” is inspired by the world's worst zoo in Gaza, where dead animals are on display. A young boy traveling through the war-torn city in search of a place to play soccer stumbles upon the infamous zoo and meets a small tiger cub. But many dangers lurk in the remnants of war. Produced by Berlin-based Nice Creative.

Cartoon Brew: Black and white is particularly well suited to this story, full of shadows and contrasts of light and darkness. Your original concept explored color, how did you settle on this choice? Initially, I considered using color in the concept art to color the characters and environments. However, as the story unfolded, it became clear that black and white would be better suited to the tone and message of the film. The strong contrast between light and dark in black and white perfectly reflects the story's themes of hope in the face of despair, resilience in the face of adversity, and the sharp divide between life and loss. It also underscores the double standards in real events that inspired the film by highlighting the care given to the animals while the people of Gaza continue to face hardship. The shadows and textures of the monochrome style helped to create a raw and emotional atmosphere by stripping the visuals down to their essence. This approach allowed me to focus on the emotional weight of the story without being distracted by the colors. [In 2016, I saw a headline about the rescue of Raziz the tiger and 15 other animals from the “world's worst zoo” in Gaza. At that moment, I knew that this story would be the basis for my next animated film. The zoo was a tragic symbol of the devastating effects of war. Many of the animals died of disease, hunger, and stress, and their bodies were mummified and displayed in cages. Among the surviving animals was Raziz the tiger. Raziz, along with the other remaining animals, was rescued by an international animal welfare group and relocated to a safe sanctuary on the outskirts of Gaza. But while the animals were protected, the harsh reality for the people of Gaza remained the same. Through our animated film, we aim to shed light on this powerful story. Not only to document Raziz's journey, but also to spark conversation about the human and environmental toll of the conflict. It is a transnational story that underscores the universal need for empathy, solidarity, and the pursuit of a better future for all.

What have you learned about the production, filmmaking, creative aspects, or subject matter through the experience of making this film? Telling a story based on real events while abstracting the political and focusing on the human aspects required a careful balance between authenticity and respect for national and international audiences. The project required deep thinking about visual storytelling. We wanted the audience to feel the emotional weight of the Sami boys' and tigers' journey and the struggles of a war-torn region without the use of dialogue. Conveying the themes of loss, resilience, and hope through imagery, black-and-white color palettes, and character movement was challenging but rewarding.

My passion and belief in telling a meaningful story led to support from the Royal Film Commission in Jordan and the Robert Bosch Foundation in Germany. As Jordanian animation director and screenwriter, it was especially important to rely on local talent. They contributed to many aspects of the film, including concept art by creative producer Amina Abdat, storyboards and character design by Farah Varouka, and environmental design by Mai Kirani. 2D and 3D animation, brought to life by Salsabir Aboobaid and Tulip Swedat, and sound design by Mohamed Shafagozi. Their deep understanding of the culture and values of the story enriched the film and supported the growth of the Jordanian industry.

At the same time, collaborating with international talent like German creative producer Moritz Meyerhofer added a different perspective to the filmmaking and allowed him to draw on his valuable experience in the animation industry. The music composed by Peter Thomas Gromer also added depth to the film. This collaboration facilitated the exchange of valuable ideas and expertise, enhancing creativity and ensuring a richer, more impactful film.

How did you develop your visual approach to the film, why did you settle on this style/method, and how did it shape the final product? This simple yet powerful style reflects the real-life double standard that inspired the film. The contrast between black and white highlights the difference between the care given to the animals and the ongoing struggle of the people of Gaza. The elimination of color focuses on the emotion of the story. Textured lines add depth and unease, highlighting themes of loss, resilience, and the unfairness of the situation. The artist also used stylistic choices to express both the harsh reality of the zoo and the imaginary world of the characters, exploring a balance between realism and abstraction. This style made the film's message clear and understandable to everyone, regardless of age or language. The absence of dialogue, combined with bold visuals and emotional music, has allowed “Zoo” to connect deeply with audiences around the world.