“Free Falling”, interview with director Laura Jou

On the opening night of the 20th anniversary of the London Spanish Film Festival, Fred Film Radio spoke with Laura Jou about her second feature, the psychological thriller “Free Falling” or “Caída Libre“.

The director shared how her jumping-off point was her central character of Marisol, a woman who wears a mask both literally in the per cent make-up she wears and figuratively, a veneer of strength hiding intense vulnerability and insecurity.

She explained how she worked to craft the gymnast-turned-coach along with her actress Belén Rueda, both inside and out in terms of her look and also her inner conflicts, as well as casting Ukranian Mariia Netavrovana, a gymnast who, although had no acting experience or Spanish language skills, was perfect for the part of Angelica.

We further discussed the importance of the striking visuals, colours and sound design in the film, which add to the tense atmosphere, and the role of symbols and metaphors.

Jou expressed her desire for viewers to see past Marisol’s tough exterior to see the journey she takes toward redemption and self-acceptance through the movie, raising questions about societal pressures on women to look, age, behave and succeed in particular ways, often with dire consequences.

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