true story of the film
“My father owed them money, he asked them to pay for my college. They came to make me work for them on the road, but I can’t sell myself on the street.” It could be a true everyday story, but that’s the plot and the main reason why young Nigerian Aisha Osagie starring Letitia Wright is forced to leave her country and seek international protection.
Touching film directed by Frank Berry about the many obstacles for immigrants, seeking asylum through insensitive social services and a bureaucracy full of problems, but with a point of light at the end of the tunnel thanks to Connor, a person who will become indispensable for the main character.
The Story of Aisha Osaigue
Some gangsters kill Aisha’s father and brother. Now they are trying to take revenge through the main character and her mother because they were unable to pay off the debt for financial assistance for the future of their children. Her mother is hiding on the other side of the country, and Aisha manages to get to Ireland, where she asks for asylum, but instead of helping her, she only finds obstacles on the way to rebuilding her life.
More; contempt of officials, demand for evidence to prove Aisha’s unfortunate past, eviction from numerous shelters where she took refuge… the main character seems strong and independentwanting to resolve your past in order to have a different future.
Connor: how important it is to have support
Aisha faces only obstacles in finding a “home” and, if that’s not enough, officials at the numerous centers where she lives make her life impossible. All but one. Connor, played by Josh O’ConnorThe night guard, who due to his dark ex-con past and bad experiences wants to change his way of life, becomes a good person and will be your main support. While Aisha finds herself trapped in the Irish immigration system, they meet at one of the accommodation centres.
Aisha with Connor, her biggest support in the film
The plot with Connor try to shed some light in the darkness in which the main character lives. The story of two wounded characters who try to overcome bad times while accompanying each other to find happiness together. As the doors close on Aisha, she realizes that Connor may be the only good thing she has left in her life.
Spain: historical record for number of asylum applications
The asylum situation that Aisha experiences in the film is not far from reality. In 2023, Spain will become the third country to receive international protection from the European Union. According to preliminary data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, from January to June 2024. 88,206 applications for international protection were submitted.which is 1,100 more than in the same period last year (87,106). 2023 ended with 163,220 applications and according to the first semester, Spain could reach a new all-time high this year.
In the first six months of this year Spain has successfully resolved 3,849 international protection cases; 62% recognized the right to obtain refugee status (2,377 people) and 38% received subsidiary protection (1,472 people).
Venezuela, Colombia and Peru continue to remain in the first positions citizens seeking asylum, although requests from sub-Saharan African countries such as Senegal or Mali are increasing, with the latter being the first country to receive the most international protection.
Cinema La 2 – Aisha (preview)
Thanks for the films and where to watch them
In 2023 Aisha was nominated in 10 categories at the Irish Film and Television Awards, being winners in the categories “Best Director” for Frank Berry, “Best Screenplay” and “Best Production Design” Tamara Conboy. In 2022 she became the winner of the competition “Official section” at the Cork International Film Festival. It also won Best Feature Film at the Louth International Film Festival.
This famous and realistic film with an abrupt ending, without easy and quick answers, unfortunately for Aisha and many other people in real life, is now available on RTVE Play.