Conference of the Birds

The Conference of the Birds is a modern play based on an ancient Persian Sufi epic of the same name, in which a flock of birds embark upon a dangerous quest to find the legendary Simorgh: the king of all birds. It is he, and only he, who might be able to aid in their mission to help heal and purify the corrupted Mortal world.
In this conceptual, epic-style film adaptation, the birds are envisioned as leaders of the ancient, mystical race of Muslim spiritual beings known as Djinn. These Djinn prefer a largely humanoid form, though they are much taller, have wings, and sport other avian features. Each individual Djinn’s aesthetics and coloring is inspired by their namesake bird, while their clothing reflects a blending of ancient and modern ethnological elements and traits.
As for the many humans depicted within this film, three separate and distinct cultures are represented: the grand and thriving empire of Pars, the nomadic clans of Mongolia, and the ever prosperous river kingdom of Kemet.
The goal of this design is to develop and celebrate several unique people groups in such a way that reveals depth and intrigue, while also paying homage to the real life cultures which inspire them, as well as making them seem realistic and tangible.