IOM Yemen: Seeds of Hope A Stop-Motion Chronicle of Yemen’s Resilience

Sana’a, Yemen 

In a modest workshop in northern Yemen, where deeply rooted traditions often limit the roles women can play, a pioneering project quietly came to life. Seeds of Hope, Yemen’s very first stop-motion animation series, wasn’t just about animation – it was about telling stories of resilience, displacement, and the power of perseverance. 

Created through a collaboration between the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and media production company Yemen Production Network (YPN), the project faced its share of challenges, from limited resources to cultural barriers. The dedication required to overcome these obstacles was as meticulous and challenging as the process of bringing each frame to life.

“We weren’t just working on a project,” explains Samira, a former art teacher turned motion graphic designer now working with YPN “This was our chance to show the world the strength of the Yemeni people, especially women. But getting there wasn’t easy.”

Where It All Began

The set for Seeds of Hope was crafted in a women-only workshop, adhering to the cultural norms of the region. Male team members, including the project’s executive producer, Moohi, the sound designer Motaz, photographers, and lighting technicians, were not able to access the workshop. Instead, the responsibility fell to women like Samira, who took the lead in designing and constructing the intricate miniature world where the series came to life. 

The workshop was a lively but challenging environment. “At times, some of our female colleagues were not available for extended hours,” Samira shares. “Cultural restrictions limited their availability, while others had children or babies to care for. This meant that some of us had to work longer hours to keep things on track.”

Foam scraps, fabric remnants, and cardboard became the building blocks of their creations. Samira’s hands were often stained with paint or glue as she sculpted rocks, painted walls, and stitched tiny tents.

“We asked IOM for references to ensure we captured the realism of life. As an artist, when I draw something on paper, every detail matters. The challenge now was to translate that into a tangible world. If it didn’t feel real, I didn’t feel good about it.”  – Samira, Graphic Designer

Bringing Characters to Life

At the heart of the series were its characters, each inspired by real stories from Yemen. Aisha, the young girl whose drawings bring hope to her community, was modelled after displaced children Samira had seen in her neighbourhood. “I thought about the kids I had taught back in the day,” she says. “Many of them dreamt of becoming doctors, engineers or athletes one day, but their circumstances held them back.” 

For Rana, a 21-year-old graphic design graduate, working on Aisha felt deeply personal. Growing up amid Yemen’s conflict, she found the character’s story resonated with her own experiences. 

“When I animated the scene where Aisha sits under a crumbling building, clutching a photo of her family, I couldn’t help but feel the same emotions I had when the war started,” Rana shares. “The faint sounds of bombs in the background brought back memories of fear and uncertainty.” 

The two women worked together on every detail, from Aisha’s clothing to her facial expressions. “Making her movements believable was difficult,” Rana explains, “but capturing her emotions was the real challenge and also the most important part for me. I wanted her to reflect my feelings.”

A Soundtrack of Resilience

During the shoot, Rana and Samira focused on perfecting the visuals, while Motaz worked behind the scenes to create a soundtrack that captured the spirit of Yemen. By blending traditional Yemeni tunes with ambient soundscapes, he added depth and authenticity to the project.

“It was a challenge to get everything I needed,” Motaz admits. “We didn’t have a big budget for original music, so I worked with what was available. The goal was to make the music feel like it truly belonged to the story.”

To ensure the audio matched the emotional tone of the series, Motaz immersed himself in the script, reading it multiple times to understand the voice behind each character. “I sat down with the voice actors before they even looked at the script,” he says. “I explained the story to them, played the videos, and helped them connect with their characters. It wasn’t just about reading lines – it was about bringing them to life.”

Moments of Triumph

Every frame completed felt like a victory for the team. For Samira, the process was as much about learning as it was about creating. “I didn’t know much about migrants and why they were in Yemen,” she admits, reflecting on her work on Dawit, an Ethiopian migrant character. 

“To make Dawit realistic, I needed to understand his story.” She dove into the script, researched online, and watched videos. “I was shocked to learn they walk such long distances. Seeing Dawit come to life on set made it feel real – it truly reflected the incredible journeys migrants take to better their lives.”

For Rana, the most memorable moment was animating Aisha’s pivotal scene, where she picks up her pencil and begins to draw. 

“That moment captured everything we wanted to convey about hope. It wasn’t just about her – it was about us.”  – Rana, Graphic Designer 

A Message of Hope

Resilience, creativity, and storytelling were at the core of the series. “Frame by frame, we told our story and planted seeds for a better future,” Rana shares. For Samira, the project was life-changing. “I learned what’s possible when people come together with a shared goal. I hope this inspires others to believe in themselves, even if they start small.” 

For the creators, Seeds of Hope was about far more than animation – it was about building a bridge between Yemen and the world. “This project showed what’s possible when you have passion and a purpose,” says Moohi, the executive producer. “I’m proud of what we accomplished, despite all the challenges.”

Watch the complete series of Seeds of Hope now.