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PRODUCTION / FUNDING Ireland

Frank Berry’s new film Aisha in post-production

by 

- The drama, boarded by Cornerstone, stars Emmy Award nominee Letitia Wright and Golden Globe winner Josh O’Connor in the lead roles

Frank Berry’s new film Aisha in post-production
Actress Letitia Wright in Aisha

Irish filmmaker Frank Berry (Michael Inside [+see also:
trailer
film profile
]
, I Used to Live Here [+see also:
trailer
film profile
]
) is now working on his new feature, a drama entitled Aisha [+see also:
trailer
film profile
]
. 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.

(The article continues below - Commercial information)

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 [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Clare Dunne
film profile
]
) is attached as the film’s DoP, whilst Colin Campbell (The Hole in the Ground [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile
]
) will serve as the editor and Tamara Conboy (Once [+see also:
trailer
film profile
]
) 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.

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