Laura Carreira's Festival-Hit Debut 'On Falling' and Joining BAFTA's 2025 Breakthrough Class
Writer-director Laura Carreira's feature debut, 'On Falling', has been a game-changer over the past year, propelling her into the spotlight on the film festival circuit and beyond. Produced by Sixteen Films with support from the BFI, BBC Films, Screen Scotland, ICA, and Goodfellas, the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and made its European debut at San Sebastián, where Carreira won the Silver Shell for Best Director. 'On Falling', which explores the story of Aurora, a Portuguese worker in a Scottish warehouse grappling with loneliness and alienation in an algorithm-driven gig economy, has also secured the Sutherland Award at the BFI London Film Festival and the Best Film honor at the Dublin Film Festival.
Now, Carreira, a Portuguese filmmaker based in Edinburgh, Scotland, is making waves as a rising talent on the UK's 2025 BAFTA Breakthrough list, supported by Netflix, which was announced on Tuesday. In an exclusive interview with THR, Carreira discussed the honor, her journey from editing to writing and directing, and her future projects.
'On Falling' takes a unique approach to work, shedding light on a world that is often overlooked. Can you elaborate on your vision for the film and why you chose to focus on this particular topic?
"Part of my intention was to bring attention to a life that is often invisible. When we receive parcels at home, we don't realize the extensive labor behind their delivery. Companies sometimes pretend it's all about technological advancements, but the reality is quite different. I discovered this world and this job, and I knew it would make a compelling film. It felt crucial to explore this dystopian reality."
How timely is the film's release, given recent news about job automation?
"I began writing the script several years ago, and now, with the news that many of these jobs are being replaced by robots, it feels like the film is even more relevant. We're reaching a point where people are no longer cheaper than robots, and this job might soon disappear. It's as if the film was written for this moment, and it also sheds light on the state of our world, the neoliberal system, and the relentless pursuit of profit at the expense of people."
Given your background as an editor, how has your editing experience influenced your work as a writer and director?
"I learned most of my filmmaking knowledge through editing. I strongly believe that the editing process is where the film truly comes together. You can have an incredible shoot, but if the editing doesn't work, the film won't be great. I'm sure there are many films that could have been better if they hadn't been edited as well."
"I worked with an amazing editor, Helle le Fevre, who played a significant role in the film's success. I learned editing in high school, and later, I studied a practical degree where I was one of the few people in my class who knew how to use the software. Out of necessity, I ended up editing a lot of people's work, which led to my first job."
"Despite my efforts to pursue directing and writing, my graduation film didn't open any doors. After university, I was unsure how to enter the film industry, and editing was the only thing I seemed to be approached for. I started editing documentaries, which offered more freedom compared to fiction films. But I always wanted to explore other avenues in the industry, and that's when I decided to make my first fiction short, 'Red Hill,' which helped me gain industry experience. Editing remains a passion of mine, and it's where I have the most fun during the filmmaking process."
Are there any new film ideas that the BAFTA Breakthrough program could potentially support?
"I have a few projects in the works, but they're still in the early stages. They all revolve around work, which has been my main focus and will continue to be. I'm currently finishing a script that I believe could be my next film. I'm also working on surviving financially as a writer and exploring ways to secure other projects to stay in the industry, as it can be challenging without a substantial income."
Can you provide any details about your upcoming project?
"I'm working on a book adaptation, which will be a new challenge for me. It will be a period piece, something I haven't attempted before. I'm excited because, for 'On Falling,' I conducted extensive research and interviewed warehouse pickers to inform the scenes. Now, with this book, I plan to take a historical approach, examining how people lived 200 years ago and their attitudes towards work. I believe this perspective can offer insights into the origins of our current work culture."
