This year, the Göteborg Film Festival is all set to showcase a poignant debut film that’s already creating a buzz. Laura Carreira’s inaugural feature ‘On Falling’ stands out among the titles for the prestigious Ingmar Bergman Competition. The film centers on a young Portuguese woman, Aurora, as she tries to survive in her adopted city, Glasgow, Scotland.
Aurora’s life is a constant juggle, grabbing packages off warehouse shelves for an e-commerce giant. The relentless cycle of work barely covers her bills. Yet, in the midst of her mundane routines, she grapples with loneliness and alienation. There’s a constant battle to maintain her identity in a world where connection is minimal, and small talk becomes a threat to her very sense of self.
The film is set against the backdrop of a gig economy dictated by algorithms, an existence that feels almost mechanical and dehumanizing. It’s a relatable narrative for many living in today’s digital age, where human interactions are often reduced to transactions.
Produced by Jack Thomas-O’Brien of Sixteen Films and BRO Cinema, and with backing from entities like BBC Film, BFI, and Screen Scotland, ‘On Falling’ finds itself in good company. The movie is expected to hit UK cinemas in early 2025, marking a promising start for Carreira’s cinematic journey.
Alongside Carreira’s film, other notable entries in the competition include Park Ri-woong’s ‘The Land of Morning Calm’ from South Korea, and the Turkish-Kosovo entry ‘Gülızar’ directed by Belkis Bayrak. The festival’s jury this year consists of esteemed members like Dea Kulumbegashvili and Kaltrina Krasniqi, with Silje Riise Næss chairing as the head of The Bergman Estate on Fårö Foundation.
Since its inception in 2007, the Ingmar Bergman competition has celebrated the talents of emerging filmmakers. Previous winners have gone on to achieve significant acclaim, showcasing the festival’s knack for identifying groundbreaking talent. This year’s nominees reflect a diverse array of stories and backgrounds, promising a rich viewing experience for festival attendees.
Göteborg Film Festival continues to be a beacon for new and vibrant talent in the filmmaking world. By featuring movies like ‘On Falling’, it not only pays homage to the art of storytelling but also encourages fresh voices in cinema. As Aurora’s journey unfolds on screen, it invites audiences to reflect on the human condition in today’s fast-paced world.
Source: Yahoo
