From Zero Budget to Cannes: Kokob & Sahil's Cinematic Journey | The Hollywood Reporter x Cannes

Anupama Chopra of The Hollywood Reporter India meets emerging filmmaker Kokob Gebrehaweria Tesfay and young producer Sahil Manoj Ingle at Cannes 2025, where their film "Doll Made of Clay" is an official selection at La Cinef. In this inspiring conversation, the duo shares the remarkable journey of creating their film through SRFTI's zero-budget initiative, where they received no funding but accessed institutional resources. Kokob reveals how a chance encounter with a Nigerian football player in Kolkata transformed from a film school exercise into a powerful narrative about displacement, isolation, and resilience.

The 29-year-old director, who grew up in a conflict-affected border region before receiving a scholarship to study in India, discusses how his background in theatrical arts and childhood surrounded by spiritual stories shaped his storytelling approach. Meanwhile, 28-year-old producer Sahil details the creative problem-solving required to bring the project to life without financial resources, highlighting the collaborative spirit that fueled their production. Both filmmakers share their aspirations at Cannes, from connecting with potential co-producers to experiencing the global film community. Their selection as one of just 16 films from over 2,700 submissions marks an extraordinary achievement for these young filmmakers from SRFTI.