On Falling is the debut feature from Screen Rising Star writer / director Laura Carreira. Laura originates from Portugal and is now based in Edinburgh where she studied Film Directing.
On Falling is the latest film from Sixteen Films and is being sold by Goodfellas, produced by Jack Thomas-O’Brien through Ken Loach and Rebecca O’Brien’s production company Sixteen Films in London, and by Mário Patrocínio, Bro Cinema in Lisbon. The film is currently being edited by Helle Le Fevre (The Souvenir, The Eternal Daughter) and looks to have a festival premiere later this year.
On Falling tells the story of Aurora, a Portuguese warehouse picker working in a vast fulfilment centre in Scotland. Trapped between the confines of her workplace and the solitude of her flatshare, Aurora seeks to resist the loneliness, alienation and ensuing small talk which begin to threaten her sense of self. Set against a landscape dominated by an algorithm-driven gig economy, designed to keep us apart, On Falling explores the silent, vital struggle to find meaning and connection.
The film stars beloved Portuguese actress Joana Santos, widely known in 2010 for the role of Diana in the Emmy Award winning soap opera Laços de Sangue. Joana works in theatre and cinema, with directors such as João Botelho, Sérgio Graciano, Marco Martins and Simão Cayatte.
Several familiar actors, crew and “non-actors” play in the film, keeping alive the Ken Loach & Sixteen Films tradition. Hair and Make-up is designed by BAFTA Rising Star Kat Morgan (Blue Jean, The Outrun) and Costumes designed by Carole Millar (Red Road, The Angels’ Share). Casting by Screen Star of Tomorrow Lara Manwaring (Lynn + Lucy), and Production Design by Andy Drummond (Limbo, True Things).
Laura Carreira, Director said: “When I set out to make this film, I wanted it to be about our relationship to work and the thin line between financial safety and turmoil. In the process of writing, the story developed into something else, something more existential. At its core, I tried to capture what it feels like to live today in this hyper-capitalistic world, and when we look at it closely, the day-to-day routines and interactions can’t help but expose hidden aspects of our inner lives."
Jack Thomas-O’Brien, Producer, Sixteen Films said: “Laura’s incredible shorts immediately resonated with the team at Sixteen Films. We are open to supporting new film talent making director led, politically motivated films. Laura’s films capture an everyday reality for many precariously employed people around the world, and that we hope will connect with cinema audiences, internationally and in the UK.”
Background
On Falling is supported by BFI (awarding National Lottery funding), BBC Film, Screen Scotland, and the Portuguese ICA. Executive producers include Rebecca O’Brien from Sixteen Films; Ama Ampadu from the BFI; Claudia Yusef & Kristin Irvin from BBC Film; and Kieran Hannigan & Sean Greenhorn from Screen Scotland.
Laura Carreira
Carreira’s first short film Red Hill won the New Visions Award at the 73rd Edinburgh International Film Festival and was nominated at the 2019 BAFTA Scotland Awards. Her short film The Shift premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in 2020 and was nominated for the European Film Awards and the London Critics' Circle Film Awards. In 2021 she won the New Talent Award at IndieLisboa.
Jack Thomas-O’Brien
Jack Thomas-O’Brien is part of the Sixteen Films family having worked at Sixteen Films since 2016. As well as On Falling, he also worked as associate producer on Ken Loach’s latest film ‘The Old Oak’, nominated for the Outstanding British Film BAFTA, Cristian Carion’s ‘My Son’ featuring James McAvoy & Claire Foy and a number of award winning short films such as ‘Staying (Aros Mae)’. Jack was also assistant producer on Ken Loach’s ‘Sorry We Missed You’ as well as working on ‘I, Daniel Blake’, and the documentary ‘Versus: The Life and Films of Ken Loach’.
Goodfellas
Based in Paris, Goodfellas (formerly Wild Bunch International) is a world-renowned independent film sales and production company. Characterised by its diverse editorial policy, the company offers a constantly renewed and always innovative slate of films from all over the world (director-driven, arthouse, genre or mainstream, features and documentaries) regularly honoured at international festivals. The Goodfellas team is dedicated to establishing and maintaining a balance between its long-term relationships with established filmmakers and the discovery of new and innovative directorial talent.
Sixteen Films
Sixteen Films is the film production company formed by director Ken Loach and producer Rebecca O'Brien in 2002. Since its formation Sixteen Films has produced over twenty feature films including ‘The Wind that Shakes the Barley’ (Palme d’Or Cannes 2006), ‘The Angels’ Share’ (Jury Prize Cannes 2012 and ‘I, Daniel Blake’ (Palme d’Or Cannes 2016). The company seeks to work with a small number of like-minded filmmakers and supports new producers making director-led, politically motivated films BRO Cinema - BRO Cinema, proudly based in Lisbon, embodies the spirit of creativity, courage, and resilience.
We explore diverse storytelling realms, ranging from documentaries to fiction, TV, and series. Committed to nurturing new talents, supporting positive causes, and undertaking innovative projects, BRO aims to contribute meaningfully to positive change in the world.