South Sudanese actress Achai Ayom accused director of award-winning film “Aisha Can’t Fly Away” of exploitation and misconduct.
Film director Morad Mostafa and producer Sawsan Yusuf denied the claims, saying that the scene was part of the agreement with the actress as the issue escalated into public controversy this week.
Ayom, who was then a refugee in Egypt, said she was forced into filming an intimate scene not specified in either the script or her contract, and was informed of the changes on the day of the shoot.
“I reviewed the changes and didn’t like them, but director Morad Mostafa convinced me that the scene was not risque, promising there would be cuts and that I would not appear in a way that would harm me or upset my family,” Ayom told Al Manassa.
The actress and model said she was shocked when she watched the film last week and found that this had not happened.
“I was wearing an outfit consisting of a T-shirt and a skirt, but I appeared completely naked on screen,” she said.
“In addition, sounds were added to the scene that were not originally there. All of this disturbed me greatly and caused me significant psychological distress, but the director reassured me once again.”
The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May of last year, as part of the Un Certain Regard section, which showcases works distinguished by their artistic vision and cinematic approach.
Morad contested the allegations by questioning why the issue was being raised more than a year after the film’s first screening.
“The actress was fully aware of and agreed to the scene details,” he told Al Manassa, adding that her role in the film was primarily built around this scene and describing the claims as “defamation.”
In a statement issued on Saturday, the filmmakers rejected accusations and said they reserve all legal rights and will pursue action under the law.
For her part, producer Sawsan Yusuf said actors are informed in advance about intimate scenes, and contracts proceed only after they agree.
“The disputed scene was filmed without the other actor being in frame, and the actress did not appear naked as claimed,” she said in comments to Al Manassa, noting that the production team possesses raw footage and statements from crew members that support their account.
The production faced further criticism for not employing an intimacy coordinator. In response, Morad and Yusuf said the scene did not require one, as it involved no on-screen contact, while also noting the importance of the role in modern filmmaking to ensure protection for all parties.
This comes against the backdrop of a broader pattern in which the vulnerability of migrant and refugee women is exploited, and workplace power dynamics are used as tools of coercion and silencing, rights advocates say.
In contrast, the producer said she “believes in unconditional support for the rights of women and migrants,” but insisted the filmmakers have evidence of the actress’s consent and no coercion, adding that the dispute risks undermining the principle of believing survivors.
Ayom rejected the statement as an attempt to justify what happened, and said she has not taken legal action so far, adding that she will see what the coming days bring.
“I regret the moment I trusted the director and the production company. I will speak openly about this issue, write about it, and defend myself without fear of anyone,” she wrote in an Instagram statement on June 3.
