Aisha Can't Fly Away: The African Film Festival Atlanta (AFFATL)

Aisha Can’t Fly Away is a haunting and intimate feature that follows one woman’s struggle to find safety and agency as her dreams begin to blur with reality. Advance tickets are strongly recommended for this powerful and atmospheric screening.

The African Film Festival Atlanta, now in its 5th year, continues its partnership with the Nollywood Travel Film Festival to bring bold African stories to diverse audiences.

Egypt, France, Germany, Sudan | 1 hour 55 minutes | Drama

A 26-year-old Sudanese caregiver, Aisha, portrayed by Buliana Simon, navigates a fragile life in the heart of Cairo, where tensions between African migrants and local gangs shape her daily reality. As she moves between demanding caregiving jobs and an uncertain future, Aisha struggles to maintain a sense of control over a life that feels increasingly precarious.

Her world tightens when she crosses paths with Zuka, played by Ziad Zaza, a charismatic gang leader who blackmails her into an unethical deal in exchange for protection. Alongside encounters with figures such as Khalil, portrayed by Mamdouh Saleh, Aisha finds herself caught between fear, obligation, and the longing for freedom. As pressure mounts, her dreams begin to blur with reality, leading her to a quiet but powerful reckoning with survival, dignity, and the possibility of escape.

Get a taste of the film by watching the

Morad Mostafa is an Egyptian writer and director known for his powerful social realism and evocative storytelling, and is the founder of Bonanza Films. Morad’s work has been praised by international critics for its visceral visual style and its empathetic portrayal of marginalized communities, particularly African migrants and women navigating the complexities of modern Cairo.

Morad has consistently proven his ability to bridge the gap between independent arthouse cinema and global recognition, becoming the first Egyptian director in nearly a decade to be selected for the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival. He has earned over 200 international awards, solidifying his reputation as one of the most significant voices in contemporary Arab cinema.

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Host or Publisher African Film & Arts Foundation