Aisha Can’t Fly Away

Aisha is a 26-year-old Sudanese caregiver living in a rough neighbourhood in Cairo. She is stuck between an undefined relationship with a young Egyptian cook, a gangster that blackmails her, and a new house she’s assigned to work in. Craving a better life, Aisha’s dreams keep being confronted with reality.

In the directorial debut of Egyptian Morad Mostafa, Buliana Simon stunningly plays 26-year-old Aisha from Sudan. She works tending to the needs of the elderly, helping with their medication and keeping up their apartments. Living as an immigrant in the bustling city of Cairo, in the tough neighbourhood of Ain Shams (where director Mostafa spent his youth), she witnesses the tension between her fellow African migrants and local gangs.

Aisha observes, and often narrowly survives, the disorder and violence erupting in the streets. Her only chance for safety is to cut a dirty deal with the hard-nosed gang leader Zuka (played by Egyptian rapper Ziad Zaza). What follows is an intriguing blend of genres, ranging from drama to horror, with Buliana Simon commanding the screen as Aisha, infusing her with a haunting and dangerous quality.