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Entangled Lives: Conflict & Illicit Economies in Afghanistan" is an immersive animation created by Jarbrain in collaboration with PositiveNegatives, a trusted partner with whom we have successfully worked on several projects. This powerful animation delves into the complex narratives of individuals living in Afghanistan's Nimroz province, where the illicit drug economy is deeply ingrained.

Drawing from our established working relationship and shared expertise, this collaboration builds upon our previous successful projects, including "Migrants on the Margins," "An Empty Promise," "What The Girls Say: The Difficult Journey Home," and the "Inclusive Urban Infrastructure Research Project." This wealth of experience deepens our understanding of storytelling, enabling us to approach "Entangled Lives" with precision and empathy.

The animation follows the life of a protagonist who grew up in a small village in Nimroz province, witnessing the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. Forced to flee to Iran, the protagonist and their family faced new challenges and sought opportunities to rebuild their lives. The narrative traces their journey, from assisting their father in money exchange to establishing their own businesses, navigating the complexities of trading opium and later transitioning to legal trading activities.

The animation captures the protagonist's resilience and resourcefulness, showcasing their determination to survive and support their family amidst a changing socio-political landscape. It sheds light on the intertwined relationships between conflict, migration, illicit economies, and personal experiences.

Through captivating illustrations by Debasmita Dasgupta, meticulous storyboarding by Diana Garcia, and expert animation by Jarbrain, the animation brings the script to life, immersing viewers in the protagonist's challenges and triumphs. The script, crafted by Sana Safi, masterfully weaves together the protagonist's personal anecdotes, capturing the nuances of their journey and the impact of illicit economies on their life trajectory.

Adam Zygadlo's sound effects and Josh Evans' skillful curation of existing music enhance the audio experience, evoking emotions and enhancing the narrative's depth. Haroon Shafiqi's voiceover performance adds authenticity and resonance to the protagonist's voice.

Throughout the production process, Sara Wong and Benjamin Worku-Dix, played a pivotal role in coordinating and implementing changes, ensuring effective communication among the team and client, PositiveNegatives. Her expertise and meticulous oversight ensured a smooth and successful execution of the project.

We invite you to experience the entangled stories of Afghanistan's Nimroz province by watching the animation, which showcases the remarkable journey of the protagonist and sheds light on the impact of conflict and illicit economies on individuals' lives.



Credits:
Script Writing & Creative Consultancy: Sana Safi
Storyboarding: Diana Garcia
Animation: Jarbrain
Illustration: Debasmita Dasgupta
Voiceover: Haroon Shafiqi
Sound Effects: Josh Evans & Adam Zygadlo
Producer: Sara Wong
Director: Benjamin Worku-Dix