This is my graduate film, produced at the Bristol School of Animation using mainly wax-on-glass; with the sound made by myself and peer Lucy Wallis. 

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The film considers the life of Queen Zenobia of Roman Syira, who during the 3rd Century rebelled against the empire and created her own short lived Palmyrene empire. Marking the only time in our 13,000 year history Syria ruled the empire that encompassed it, Beit Zabbai draws parallels between this proud era of of Syria to the modern state's troubles with divisive politics and ego-driven leadership. 

I contrast Zenobia's protective nature over her son and people with the violent subjugation of large swaths of the Eastern Mediteranean, turning brothers against each other and employing strategies of collective punishment and intimidation; In attempt to paint a picture o Zenobia that respects the many interpretations of her character.

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I plan to extend this story with a narrative-based short film in the near future, allowing an audience to understand the story behind this initial film.