Irish filmmaker Frank Berry (Michael Inside [+lee también:
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ficha de la película], I Used to Live Here [+lee también:
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ficha de la película]. The film, shot in Ireland, recently entered post-production and has been picked up by Cornerstone, which is in charge of its worldwide rights and will commence sales at the upcoming Cannes Marché du Film.

Aisha charts the experiences of a young Nigerian woman as she seeks international protection in Ireland. Caught in limbo for years in Ireland’s immigration system, Aisha Osagie (Emmy Award nominee Letitia Wright) develops a friendship with former prisoner Conor Healy (Golden Globe winner Josh O’Connor, recently seen playing Prince Charles in The Crown), whom she meets at one of the accommodation centres. Aisha and Conor’s growing friendship soon looks to be short-lived as Aisha’s future in Ireland comes under threat.

Tom Comerford (Herself [+lee también:
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entrevista: Clare Dunne
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ficha de la película]) will serve as the editor and Tamara Conboy (Once [+lee también:
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ficha de la película]) as the production designer.

Speaking about his project, Berry commented: “Aisha is set in the world of Direct Provision in Ireland. While working with former and current international protection applicants over four years, a story emerged of a human connection in an inhumane system. I am delighted that our project has attracted the attention of such amazing funding partners and the incredible talents of Letitia Wright and Josh O’Connor, who act alongside many former and current international protection applicants. It’s been a very special experience making this film so far, and I look forward to all of us bringing Aisha to national and international audiences next year.”

Cornerstone’s Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder added: “Frank’s beautiful and uplifting script, along with the strong acting talent, will help shine a much-needed spotlight on a process that millions of people experience around the world.”

Aisha is being produced by Tristan Orpen Lynch, Aoife O’Sullivan and Donna Eperon for Dublin-based outfit Subotica (the trio already worked together on Berry’s previous endeavour, Michael Inside) and Sam Bisbee for Park Pictures. The film was developed and financed by Screen Ireland, BBC Film, RTÉ and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland in association with Park Pictures, Wavelength and World of Ha Productions. The executive producers are Rose Garnett for BBC Film, Hallee Adelman, Ivy Herman, Jenifer Westphal, Joe Plummer, Lance Acord, Jackie Kelman Bisbee, Wendy Neu, William Byerley and George Rush.