About

Cocoon Films (previously Cactus World Films ) is an independent production company that was founded in 2007 by Sawsan Asfari and Maya Sanbar. At its inception, Cocoon films aimed to make visible challenging issues in the Middle East – from the complications of refugee life to the struggles of the people in the Arab world. Since then, Cocoons’ scope has broadened to a multitude of subjects, while retaining its original values: justice, tolerance, and the personal narratives of those typically unseen. While Cocoon is a UK based company, many of our productions are international collaborations. We welcome work with like-minded filmmakers. 

In 2019, Sawsan became a partner in Louverture Films, an independent US based production company founded by Joslyn Barnes and Danny Glover.

In 2020, Cactus World became Cocoon Films, now owned and managed by Sawsan Asfari.

Team

Producer - Luke Healy

Luke has worked in the TV and film industry for over 30 years in both the UK and US. As a producer, he regularly works with first time or up and coming filmmakers that have a unique perspective or voice. While he does not shy away from mainstream cinema, his true passion is independent films that tell small stories about big issues from previously unheard voices.

Marketing and Festivals Officer

Alba Donnachie is the Marketing and Festival Officer for Cocoon Films. With a MA in Film Programming and Curating from Birkbeck University, she has co-curated a programme for the BFI Future Film Festival as well as interning at Bertha DocHouse, the UK’s only cinema dedicated to showcasing international documentary films.