A new film, On Falling, directed by Scottish-based filmmaker Laura Carreira, sheds light on the loneliness and instability faced by migrant workers. The story follows Aurora, a Portuguese immigrant working as a picker in a Scottish warehouse, struggling with alienation and precarious work conditions. Played by actress Joana Santos, Aurora’s life revolves around scanning items in a high-pressure environment where every second is monitored. After work, she returns to shared accommodation, eating cheap meals and scrolling through social media in isolation.
Carreira, who moved to Scotland at 18 to study film, was inspired by real-life accounts of warehouse workers. She wanted to highlight the human side of the gig economy, where efficiency is often praised, but the reality is physically demanding work under strict time constraints. She interviewed pickers and found that many were economic migrants facing similar challenges. The film captures the deep sense of loneliness and insecurity they experience, drawing from Carreira’s own early struggles as an immigrant adjusting to a new country without social ties or stability.
While On Falling explores difficult themes, Carreira emphasizes the importance of human connection and kindness. She believes that despite the competitive nature of work environments, people genuinely care for one another, and this sense of solidarity is essential for migrants seeking belonging. The film premiered at the London Film Festival last October and is currently screening at the Watershed cinema in Bristol until March 20, as part of the Glasgow Film Festival. It will also be shown in 54 cinemas across the UK.