Visionary Director of Photography Shahan Rao has been announced as the starring creative force behind filmmaker Tony Schwartz’s upcoming sci-fi feature, Coco’s Journey. Backed by Little Ned Productions, the studio behind Mukti and Ghost in the Machine, the film is being built around Rao’s ability to craft bold, emotionally charged visuals that elevate story into spectacle.
Unlike traditional headlines dominated by actors, Coco’s Journey places Rao in the starring role. The film’s futuristic world—told through the perspective of delivery robots seeking identity—cannot exist without his lens. Rao is not just supporting the story; he is leading it visually, commanding the camera and lighting departments while defining the mood, atmosphere, and language of the film.
“It would be impossible to make Coco’s Journey without Shahan Rao,” Schwartz said. “He is the star of the film’s visual narrative. Every moment, every emotion, every ounce of its cinematic power comes from the imagery he creates.”
Rao’s reputation as one of the industry’s most important young cinematographers is built on a foundation of international recognition and awards. He won Best Cinematography for The Choice, was shortlisted as the Emerging Cinematographer of 2024 by the Academy of Motion Pictures, and has crafted visually numbered films including Nebuchadnezzar, Straw, Generation Wells, and Seolann, Strong Black Women all celebrated for their evocative imagery. His recent feature 40 Days—produced by Media Avenue Studios—secured international distribution, further cementing his global standing.
With Coco’s Journey, Rao steps into what is undeniably a leading, starring role in the film’s creation. He is not only the Director of Photography but the central voice shaping how audiences will see and feel the story. His presence ensures that the film will be remembered as much for its emotional depth as for its groundbreaking sci-fi narrative.
With Little Ned Productions championing the project and Tony Schwartz publicly recognizing Rao as essential, Coco’s Journey is positioned to become a landmark independent sci-fi. And at its center—starring behind the camera—is Shahan Rao, redefining what it means to lead as a cinematographer.
