Aisha (2022)
A quietly devastating Irish drama about survival, belonging, and the fragile hope that grows in the most unlikely places.
Aisha - Movie Information
- Original Title: Aisha
- Release Year: 2022
- Directed by: Frank Berry
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 30, 2023 (Spain)
- Alternative Titles: Provision (IE)
- Production Companies: Subotica, BBC Film, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, Wavelength, RTÉ, World of HA Productions
- Production Countries: Ireland
Aisha - Plot
Aisha lives at a centre for asylum-seekers in Ireland in a state of ongoing uncertainty. Having fled Nigeria after a violent gang murdered members of her family, she is desperately trying to find some degree of permanency, where she and her mother can be reunited and live without fear. As she navigates the complex legal system to seek settlement in Ireland, she sparks an unlikely friendship with Conor, a new guard at the centre. A former prisoner, Conor's life experience and calming presence resonate with Aisha, allowing for a tentative romance to begin. But the bond between the pair comes under strain as the threat of deportation looms ever larger.
Aisha - Trailer
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Aisha - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Frank Berry
Main Cast
- Letitia Wright
- Josh O'Connor
- Lorcan Cranitch
- Denis Conway
- Stuart Graham
- Ian Toner
- Ruth McCabe
- Pius Ojo
- Dawn Bradfield
- Theresa O'Connor
Writers
- Frank Berry
Producers
- Donna Eperon
- Tristan Lynch
- Aoife O'Sullivan
- Sam Bisbee
Aisha - FAQs
What is Aisha about?
Aisha follows a young Nigerian woman living in an Irish asylum-seeker centre after fleeing gang violence that killed members of her family. While battling the legal system to stay in Ireland and reunite with her mother, she forms a tender, unexpected bond with a former prisoner working as a centre guard.
Who plays the lead role in Aisha?
Letitia Wright delivers a quietly devastating performance as Aisha Osagie, a Nigerian asylum-seeker in Ireland. Josh O'Connor plays Conor Healy, the former prisoner turned centre guard whose calm presence draws the two together in an unlikely, fragile romance.
Is Aisha based on a true story?
Aisha is not based on a single true story, but director Frank Berry drew extensively on real testimonies from asylum-seekers living in Ireland's direct provision system. The film is deeply rooted in the lived realities of people navigating that system, giving it a powerful sense of authenticity and urgency.
Where can you stream Aisha?
You can watch Aisha on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi TV, or stream it free through Kanopy. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Plex, so there are plenty of ways to catch it.
What is Ireland's direct provision system in Aisha?
Ireland's direct provision system housed asylum-seekers in state-managed centres while their applications were processed — sometimes for years. Residents had little autonomy, limited income, and faced constant uncertainty. Aisha captures this limbo vividly, shining a light on a system that drew significant criticism before being phased out in recent years.
Who directed Aisha and what is his style?
Frank Berry directed Aisha, also writing the screenplay. Berry is known for socially conscious Irish cinema — his previous film Michael Inside (2017) explored the prison system with similar restraint and empathy. His style favors quiet observation over melodrama, letting performances and environment carry the emotional weight.
How long is the film Aisha?
Aisha runs for 94 minutes — a lean, focused runtime that suits its intimate, character-driven story. There's no excess here; every scene earns its place, building tension and tenderness in equal measure as Aisha's precarious situation grows increasingly urgent.
What are films similar to Aisha worth watching?
If Aisha resonated with you, try Ali & Ava (2022) for another tender cross-cultural romance, or Adú (2020) for a harrowing look at migration. Come Sunday (2018) and Paper Lives (2021) also explore themes of faith, survival, and human dignity in similarly grounded, emotionally rich ways.
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