A film production African student, a zero -bajat film, an opportunity encounter with a footballer, who became the lead, and then an entry into the laca laca selection – thus became a dream reality for Cocobe Gabreiaa. Ethiopian students of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute are in Cannes 2025 with their film ‘A Clay Made Up Clay’. In a special chat with India today, he talked about his struggles and how he wants to become a voice for Africans through his cinema.

Cocobes shared that it all started in college for a long time, where he had to help in a project. “It was an important, and as an African, I wanted to make a story about the people there. It was a tough challenge, but I also wanted an African actor. And one day, when I was out with a friend, I was talking to this man from Nigeria, Ibrahim, we met this man, we were talking, and I came to know that he was ready for the film.

It was long, focused on a genocide war, completed and presented at various film festivals – where it was praised. Over time, Cokeb and Ibrahim developed a close friendship. Ibrahim later admitted about the injury that ended his football aspirations, how he missed the house, and how he was lured into India with false promises. Despite playing with passion, he was poorly paid per match and financially struggled. His heart -wrenching story inspired Cocob to make a fictional film based on his visit – and thus ‘A Doll Se Bani’ was born.

“As I am also an international student, I realized how much he was missing in the house. He also talked about his love for football and his love for the city, causing him strange jobs to survive. The film is a documentary on his life, and so many people. Professionary football came to Kolkata to pursue football, but a sad injury left him.

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He said that there were senior and guardians who had previously gone to Cannes, who had directed him to enter the competition. He shared that he completed the process himself, and was selected. The filmmaker shared, “When I got the news, I was stunned and excited. I cannot express the joy of representing India in that prestigious state. This country is also home for me, as I have spent three years without going back to Africa. I also proud the fact that I am very grateful for all people associated with this film.”

Asked whether they are evaluated what happens to be selected in Cannes, Cocob Gabreheria said, at the forefront, a voice needs, and a very strong. “And then a root story .. It’s so easy. Many students are afraid to apply, so I will ask them to do so without any fear. It is not about being chosen, but giving yourself a chance. Create something that is individual and very implicit, something around folk tales, some,” he shared.

The director further talked about his aspirations and his vision with his films: “Both my tasks have an African connection, and I am planning more Indo-African stories. While there are some footballers who manage to earn well and send back home, but most of them are not exploited, they are also trapped.

Talking about Cannes La Cinef, the filmmaker shared that when he is positive about the result, his heart is already full of gratitude. He also shared that he is working on another short film and planning to create a facility soon. At the Film Festival, he not only wants to be recognized, but also plans to network and find international producers. The director shared that he wanted to cooperate with programmers, distributors for his future projects. Kocob Gabreheria also shared that since he is an international student, he did not get any money to visit his Cannes according to the policy. An agency assisted, but it was his family that supported living there, apart from his teachers and fellow students.