The Emergence of Morad Mostafa in International Cinema
Morad Mostafa, the debut feature director, is making waves in the global film community with his latest project, Aisha Can’t Fly Away. Selected for the prestigious Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival, this film places a spotlight on the complicated existence of a lonely South Sudanese care worker navigating life in Cairo. This marks a significant moment for Egyptian cinema, as it is the first film from the country in this section since Mohamed Diab’s “Clash” in 2016.
Aisha: A Film Born From Experience
While this is Mostafa’s first feature film, he is no stranger to the intricate world of Cannes. His recent short film, I Promise You Paradise, not only won the 2023 Critics’ Weeks Rail d’Or but also received the Valbonne Audience Award. Following this acclaim, he developed “Aisha” at a Cinéfondation residency in 2024, underscoring his commitment to compelling storytelling.
Funding Journey: A Collective Effort
In addition to support from Cinéfondation, the film has benefited from recognition in other prestigious programs, such as Venice’s Final Cut, as well as funding from various Arab film festivals. Mostafa revealed that he and producer Sawsan Yusuf engaged in extensive discussions regarding the film’s funding approach. “The strategy was remarkably ambitious and exceedingly challenging,” he remarks. The funding journey encompassed not just the development phase but also the post-production period, with support from co-producers across six diverse nations: France, Germany, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Qatar.
Exploring Social Issues Through Cinematic Lens
Aisha combines elements of drama and social commentary while being remarkably cinematic. Mostafa explains, “I wanted to talk about our society through non-Egyptian characters and observe it through their eyes, reflecting upon the shifts in Egyptian society.” By focusing on foreign characters, he aims to showcase a facet of modern urban Egyptian life that is often overlooked.
The Protagonist’s Struggles: A Reflection of Realities
The film captures the dreams and fears of Aisha, a 26-year-old protagonist, who battles loneliness and survival in a megalopolis that is often harsh to its residents, particularly to vulnerable immigrants. Mostafa intends to delve into profound themes of justice and struggle, saying, “Without giving away too much, I aim to explore these themes in creative ways.”
A Personal Connection to the Story
Having grown up in Ain Shams, a district of Cairo that evolved into a Sudanese enclave with high crime rates, Mostafa is acutely aware of the challenges faced by newcomers like Aisha. Many South Sudanese migrants, like her, often find themselves employed in precarious jobs as cleaners and cooks, their labor manipulated by unscrupulous local agencies. These agencies exploit their vulnerability, subjecting them to long hours and meager wages, while retaining their personal documents to maintain control.
Aisha’s Journey: A Struggle Between Survival and Dreams
In “Aisha,” the titular character is portrayed by Buliana Simon, a South Sudanese model making her feature acting debut. Aisha is caught in a web of relationships, demanding work, and an oppressive living environment. Mostafa incorporates fantastical elements into the film’s heightened realism to represent her internal struggle. “The internal conflict she experiences becomes so intense that it triggers a physical manifestation of her struggle,” he reveals.
Notable Performances That Enhance the Narrative
The film also features Ziad Zaza, an Egyptian rapper portraying gang leader Zuka. His character exudes a menacing charm, coercing Aisha to repay her rent by facilitating break-ins for his group, thereby tying her further into a cycle of exploitation.
Experience in Action: Crafting a Thrilling Narrative
With a decade of experience as an assistant director on high-budget films and series, Mostafa was prepared for the kinetic action scenes that unfold as the film approaches its climax. However, one unexpected challenge came in the form of a magnificent ostrich, which gains significance in the narrative and serves as a counterpoint to Aisha’s struggles, adding depth and nuance to the story.
Future Aspirations: Expanding Horizons
Mostafa harbors ambitions for his career, hoping that his selection at Cannes will unlock new opportunities. He is particularly interested in creating a French feature film with both French and Arabic actors. In the meantime, he is busy preparing for a new narrative short centered on an Egyptian teenager. “It’s a road movie, much like my last short film, aligning with the thrilling drama genre I favor,” he states. “I hope we can shoot it soon.”