Cornerstone boards Frank Berry's powerful drama Aisha starring Letitia Wright and Josh O'Connor
Posted: 1st June 2021
First look image revealed as production wraps in Ireland
Cornerstone boards Irish writer and director Frank Berry’s (Michael Inside, I Used to Live Here) powerful drama Aisha, starring Emmy award nominee Letitia Wright (Black Panther, Avengers End Game, Small Axe) and Golden Globe winner Josh O'Connor (The Crown, Emma, God’s Own Country) as production wraps in Ireland. Cornerstone has picked up worldwide sales rights and will commence sales at the upcoming Cannes virtual market.
A Subotica production, Aisha is produced by Tristan Orpen Lynch, Aoife O'Sullivan, Donna Eperon (the three of whom worked together on Berry’s award-winning feature film Michael Inside) and Park Pictures’ Sam Bisbee (Truffle Hunters). The film was developed and financed by Screen Ireland, BBC Film, RTE and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland in association with Park Pictures, Wavelength and World of Ha Productions. 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. Production leads include cinematographer Tom Comerford (Herself), editor Colin Campbell (The Hole in the Ground) and production designer Tamara Conboy (Once).
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 (Wright) develops a friendship with former prisoner Conor Healy (O’Connor) who 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.
Frank 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 also noted; “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.”