Discover Aisha Can’t Fly Away: A Captivating Review from the 2025 Cannes Film Festival | IONCINEMA.com

The film Aisha Can’t Fly, directed by Morad Mostafa, tells a poignant tale of a Sudanese refugee living in Cairo. Aisha struggles to make ends meet as a caregiver, but her harsh reality is complicated by her involvement with a gang. While the film is supported by various global film festivals, it feels overstuffed with ideas that don’t quite mesh. Despite Buliana Simon’s impressive performance as Aisha, the film’s message can be muddled.

Aisha’s life is marked by challenges. She lives in constant instability, escaping her past in Sudan and navigating the dangers of her new environment. Her work as a maid pays little, pushing her to engage in dubious activities just to survive. But when circumstances change, her precarious situation becomes even more perilous.

The film’s script, co-written by Mostafa, Sawsan Yusuf, and Mohamed Abdelqadar, weaves a series of harrowing experiences for Aisha. From romantic entanglements to violent confrontations, her path is strewn with obstacles that showcase the brutal realities faced by many immigrants. Yet, the film’s ambition sometimes overshadows clarity, making it hard to grasp its central messages about exploitation and resilience.

Expert opinions highlight the film’s struggle to balance social commentary with its narrative. Scholars like Dr. Lena Zavarise, a film studies expert, argue that while the film attempts to shed light on immigrant issues, it occasionally loses sight of subtle storytelling. This sentiment reflects a larger trend in cinema where films about marginalized communities often grapple with representing complex realities authentically.

Interestingly, recent surveys show that audiences seek more authentic storytelling in films about social issues. Viewers increasingly support narratives that reflect real-life complexities rather than oversimplified portrayals. This raises a question about whether Aisha Can’t Fly meets those expectations.

Visually, the film shines. Mostafa, along with cinematographer Mostafa El Kashef, presents Cairo in all its rawness. The film’s opening scenes embrace a realistic atmosphere, reminiscent of works by directors like Chantal Akerman, who focused on women’s daily lives. Yet, as the plot escalates, these cinematic strengths sometimes get lost in a flurry of genre conventions.

Ultimately, Buliana Simon stands out as Aisha. She portrays a character who remains resilient despite her circumstances. Simon’s performance gives voice to Aisha’s struggles, even when the film itself falters in its messaging.

In the end, Aisha Can’t Fly is a film that aims to tackle significant themes but sometimes stumbles due to its ambitions. As viewers embrace films that genuinely reflect the immigrant experience, it’s crucial that filmmakers balance storytelling with the depth of the issues they want to highlight.

Reviewed on May 20th at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival (78th edition) – Un Certain Regard. 123 Mins

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