We are delighted to hear that The GALPAL Collective’s co-founder and WFT member Aisha Bolaji’s latest short film ‘Why the Sun & Moon Live in the Sky’ will be having its World Premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh! Aisha has also been nominated for the prestigious Bingham Ray New Talent Award.
If you haven’t yet discovered Aisha Bolaji on your screen or curating films at your favourite film festival, her short film, “Why the Sun & Moon Live in the Sky,” serves as an excellent introduction to her unique and magical vision as a surrealist screenwriter, director, and co-founder of The GALPAL Collective. This film will be screened at the Galway Film Fleadh on Friday, July 12th, at 9:30 am.
“Why the Sun & Moon Live in the Sky” features the promising young actor Daniel Nwambu
and the rising bedroom pop star Anita Ihkaro (EFÉ). The film tells the poignant story of two
teenagers, Diana and Sol, who long to escape the monotony of their small Irish town. Faced
with the harsh realities of adulthood, they are determined to break free from the constraints
imposed by their African parents and society. Lacking a community that allows them to truly
express themselves, Diana and Sol look to the sky, seeing it as a symbol of the limitless
possibilities denied by their environment. Convinced that the sky will bring them freedom,
they construct a spaceship and embark on a journey with their most treasured possessions.
Aisha Bolaji’s filmmaking is distinguished by her remarkable ability to blend her Irish
upbringing with her Nigerian heritage. “Why the Sun & Moon Live in the Sky” is a perfect
embodiment of Bolaji’s core values, seamlessly integrating elements of Nigerian folklore with
sci-fi themes. The film vividly portrays the universal experiences of young diasporans,
including the excitement and challenges of first love, the rebellion against the strict
expectations of African parents, and the overall sense of alienation that can arise in a world
that feels foreign to one’s true self. “Why the Sun & Moon Live in the Sky” highlights her
ability to weave together different cultural narratives and create a rich tapestry that resonates
with audiences worldwide. This film, with its compelling characters and imaginative storyline,
is a testament to Bolaji’s vision and her commitment to creating meaningful and
thought-provoking cinema.
Book your place the Galway Film Fleadh screening here!
