Early Life and Passion for Storytelling
Born and raised in Lebanon, Bilal Zibara—also known as Zabarotti—was born on June 30, 1974, in Beirut, with familial roots in Nabatieh. From a young age, he displayed a remarkable passion for theater, image, and movies. His mother, who nurtured his talent, also noted his strong inclination toward charity work and supporting individuals with special needs. Bilal’s early exposure to storytelling and stagecraft culminated in 1982 when, as a teenager, he produced and directed his first play, Che Guevara, which went on to win first place at the Chicago Festival for outstanding talents in American schools. This foundational experience ignited a lifelong commitment to visual storytelling.
Establishing a Footprint in Media
Although Bilal initially pursued a medical path, earning a Ph.D. in diagnosing cases of children with special needs from the American University in Beirut (graduating in 1994), his passion for media never waned. During this period, he secretly earned a B.S. in Communication Arts (Radio, TV & Film) from the Lebanese American University. This dual academic path highlights his deep dedication to both humanitarian causes and creative expression. In 1991, Bilal officially began his professional media journey as an Executive Producer and TV Director. By 1993, he was working at Future TV, eventually collaborating with top regional and international networks such as MBC, ART, MTV, Dubai TV, Rotana, Abu Dhabi TV, Sony, and Zee TV. In 1999, he relocated to the United Arab Emirates and founded his production company, AcademediA, later launching ZEN TV as the grand opening event for Dubai Media City. His entrepreneurial spirit continued to shine in 2008 with the founding of Click TV & AcademediA.
Creative Ventures and Collaborations
Bilal’s directorial excellence spans over 30 TV shows, including Moumayazoun, Shabakha, Top 50, Street Star, and Jararink, along with over 66 music videos and 67 TV commercials, including campaigns for MTV Europe. One of his standout works includes directing the music video “شو بيندفع” (Shu Bendifa) for artist Imad Hawi, a piece that blends traditional elements with contemporary visuals. He has also been involved in prestigious events like “Morecaftan,” a Moroccan fashion evening, showcasing his commitment to preserving and promoting cultural heritage. Bilal’s projects frequently involve collaborations with stars across Lebanon, the GCC, India, and Europe, including Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Salman Khan, R. Kelly, and the Backstreet Boys.
Social Media Presence and Influence
Bilal maintains a robust digital presence, particularly through Instagram, where his handle @directorzabarotti has attracted over 119,900 followers. This platform serves as a vibrant space where he shares behind-the-scenes glimpses, project updates, and thought-provoking content that reflects his creative process. His engaging posts demonstrate his ability to bridge global audiences through storytelling and visual art.
Inspiring Through Personal Narrative
From staging plays in his youth to becoming the first Arabic jury member at the Cannes Film Festival (2016), Bilal’s journey is one of determination, versatility, and passion. His achievements include six Grammy wins in 2018 at the Madrid Film Festival for his film Shik Shalk, multiple UN awards for awareness campaigns, and accolades from the Romanian and Dubai film scenes. Bilal is also known for his humanitarian efforts, notably founding the Ciel Association for Special Needs Care in 2008. He spearheaded initiatives such as the first electric vehicle (EV) presentation powered by Ciel Association employees, blending innovation with inclusion. His story serves as a beacon of inspiration, underscoring the importance of following one’s passion while remaining grounded in service to others.
Current Endeavors and Future Aspirations
Bilal’s current focus remains on innovation in storytelling. His YouTube channel, @bzabarotti, presents a curated array of his creative work, reflecting both technical finesse and emotional depth. He continues to direct films, television content, music videos, and live events, working with rising talents while also mentoring the next generation of creatives. His commitment to launching media channels—nine to date—exemplifies his leadership and vision in shaping the future of regional broadcasting.
Engaging with Bilal’s Work
Audiences can engage directly with Bilal’s cinematic journey through his social media platforms and YouTube channel. From award-winning short films and awareness videos on topics like autism, breast cancer, and anti-smoking campaigns, to iconic music collaborations, his work embodies the power of authentic storytelling.
Conclusion
Bilal Zibara’s transformation from a passionate theater-loving child in Lebanon to a globally recognized, award-winning director is a testament to resilience, creativity, and service. With a career spanning decades and continents, his impact on media, culture, and humanitarian advocacy continues to grow. Through every project and performance, Bilal reaffirms the vital role of storytelling in bridging communities and inspiring change. Do follow him on Instagram.
