Koko and the Colas
Directed by Aneesh Raikundalia · Kenya · Stop Motion Animation
In a quiet, small park, a shy little bottle named Koko dreams of joining the Cans for an exciting football game. However, his fear and uncertainty keep him on the sidelines, watching but not playing. With a gentle, encouraging push from his father, Mr. Kola, Koko summons the courage to take a brave and meaningful step — one that leads him toward new friendships, growing confidence, and pure joy. Told through beautifully crafted handmade stop-motion animation, Koko and the Colas is a heartwarming and inspiring story about courage, community, and those small, precious moments that help us find where we truly belong.
🗓️ Year: 2024
🎞️ Runtime: 2 min 1 sec
🌍 Country: Kenya
About the Film
💭 Quickfire with Aneesh
🧃 A moment in the film you can’t wait for the audience to see:
“When the ball flies in the sky.”
📸 One thing people would be surprised to know about you:
“I know very little about the camera.”
🎬 An African or diaspora film you wish more people knew about:
Rishai (2022)
🎞️ What’s next after this film:
“I’m shooting a stop-motion short — 24fps of Le Mans.”
💛 You should watch my film because:
“It’s a simple and sweet story.”
🎥 The first scene shot:
“The first shot.”
🌿 Most unexpected moment during filming:
“The green felt football field was a last-minute choice — and it really popped on screen.”
Behind the Frame
Each intricate scene in Koko and the Colas was meticulously crafted by hand, showcasing an impressive level of detail and dedication. This includes a vibrant football field made entirely from green felt, a spontaneous creative choice made at the very last minute.
This unexpected decision ultimately became one of the film’s most memorable and visually striking features, captivating audiences with its unique texture and charm.
While the film’s world remains quite small in physical scale, its emotional depth and heartfelt storytelling are remarkably vast.
The film serves as a powerful reminder that even within the realm of animation, simplicity can effectively convey some of the bravest, most meaningful, and deeply resonant stories.
👤 About the Filmmaker
Aneesh Pareshkumar Raikundalia was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. From an early age, he was deeply inspired by classic Hindi cinema and vintage Westerns—genres introduced to him by his father—that sparked his lifelong fascination with the magic and power of storytelling.
These early cinematic experiences shaped his creative vision and passion for filmmaking.
Today, Aneesh heads Comic Caper Productions, an animation-focused YouTube channel where he continues to explore themes of humour, nostalgia, and expert craftsmanship.
His work is characterized by careful attention to detail, capturing complex emotions and stories, one meticulously crafted frame at a time.
🎶 Mood of the film:
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Follow Aneesh on Instagram → @comic_caper _productions
💭 Why We Love It
Sometimes, bravery doesn’t roar — it whispers.
Koko and the Colas reminds us that belonging often begins with a single step forward.