Aisha Osagie is a young woman who fled Nigeria after members of her family were killed. Ending up in Ireland, she is placed in the direct provision system while seeking asylum.
She tries her best to eke out a living, but is frustrated by the unstable nature of her accommodation situation. In one centre, she befriends local security guard Conor. But as the two grow closer, Aisha struggles with the increasing precariousness of her life in Ireland.
The excellent new film from director Frank Berry (Michael Inside) is a probing look at Ireland’s direct provision system, drawing on the real-world experiences of asylum seekers. Angry and compassionate in equal measure, Aisha features two exceptional lead performances from Letitia Wright (Black Panther) and Josh O’Connor (God’s Own Country).
Festivals & awards
Cork International Film Festival 2022 – Audience Award
Tribeca Film Festival 2022
BFI London Film Festival 2022
Reviews
“Aisha is a portrait of unassailable dignity in the face of cruel happenstance”
– Irish Times
“An absorbing drama given sympathy and life by two very high-calibre performers”
– The Guardian
About The Screening
Waterford New Communities Network is a non-profit voluntary organisation working to unite and support migrant communities across County Waterford. Our aim is to build an inclusive, welcoming society where everyone—regardless of background—can thrive. We believe that the start we give people in life matters deeply, and for many migrants and refugees, that start is shaped not just by access to services but by the sense of community they find.
This Refugee Week, we’re proud to host a screening of Aisha, in collaboration with Respond. The film reflects the quiet strength and daily realities of seeking safety and dignity in Ireland—a story that resonates deeply with many in our network. The 2025 theme, “You Can Be a Superpower,” reminds us that acts of welcome, solidarity, and care—no matter how small—can transform lives.
Our collaboration with Respond is a testament to what we can achieve when communities, organisations, and individuals come together with purpose. Together, we are creating spaces of empathy, understanding, and meaningful change.
