Laura Carreira is a Portuguese filmmaker based in Scotland. Her credits include the short films Red Hill (18) and The Shift (20). On Falling (24) is her feature debut, and she’s currently developing her next feature film.
What inspired you to tell Aurora’s story in “On Falling”?
I started thinking about my work during making my short films and realised that there’s so much about it that’s not talked about. I got really interested in fulfillment centers and the lives of the people who work there, and this really fascinated me. After interviewing few pickers I realised their jobs are so important but often invisible to the rest of us. As a Portuguese, I came to Scotland 13 years ago, and the first few year were really challenging while figuring out life in a new country. Aurora’s story is personal to me and to so many others who have had to start over.
Joana Santos does such a great job as Aurora. How did you work with her to show all the layers of Aurora’s character?
Joana is one of Portugal’s most beloved actresses, and from the moment we saw her audition, we knew she was the one. We watched more than five-hundred of self-tapes and considered so many actors, but Joana’s performance stood out. Through the same process, we also found the incredibly talented Inês Vaz. What really struck me about Joana was how much of herself she brought to the role—it felt so real and genuine. We also included a mix of professional and non-professional actors, which gave the film an honest, grounded feel that I’m really proud of.
The movie shows the emotional and physical toll of work. What do you hope people take away from it?
My film aims to spark understanding and reflection: I want audiences to consider how deeply work shapes our lives and how we often overlook the struggles of individuals in roles like Aurora’s.
We tend to accept so many aspects of work as “normal” without questioning them. It’s hard to gain perspective because we’re so attached to the way we value our work. That’s why one of the first questions we ask someone when we meet them is, “What do you do for work?” This story isn’t just about Aurora’s resilience—it’s also about a system that doesn’t give people in unconventional or undervalued jobs the space to thrive.
I hope viewers feel compassion and begin to question how we value work and care for one another. Ultimately, everyone has a vision of a fulfilling life, but society often isolates us and makes us feel powerless. Each of us is searching for solutions and striving to understand ourselves.
That’s why the supporting characters in the film are so important. Even though they face similar struggles, they stand with Aurora, showing the strength of collective support. I want audiences to look beyond individual resilience and start questioning the system itself.
What’s next for you?
I’ve been working on this film from past five years, and I’m writing another film that is also regarding “working”.
“On Falling” is about loneliness and the need to belong—stories like that feel really important right now. Through On Falling, Laura has created a moving and timely story that shines a light on the lives of those often overlooked. Aurora’s journey is a reminder of the strength it takes to keep going and the importance of seeing the humanity in others.
Yugbodh (YB) is a contributing writer at Onside Media, he skillfully weaves captivating stories. For him music and movies serves as an escape, and he finds them fascinating as they constantly evolve. If you have interesting tales to share, feel free to reach out via email at: info@theonside.com
