The Shift

At first nothing seems to load Anna with worries or weights during a short trip, in the company of her dog. But the environment begins to change when entering the supermarket. While viewing the shelves, the displays, she does mental calculations. Until the call.

Inspired by British realism with a very Portuguese acidity tonic, The Shift tells the story of a woman shopping in a supermarket. In 8 minutes, Laura Carreira (Portuguese director who lives in Scotland) manages to create a whirlwind around her protagonist, pulling the rug from under her feet and throwing us, spectators, off. We want to hang on to something, but it's difficult because the camera's gaze is impassive yet human. And the light at the end of the tunnel still doesn't show. You want to see more, but Laura Carreira has a strong point in not letting you. (Miguel Valverde)

Director's Bio

Laura Carreira completed an Audiovisual Communication Degree at the António Arroio School of Arts in Lisbon and graduated with a BA (Hons) in Film Directing at the University of Edinburgh. Her first film Red Hill was selected for several film festivals and considered one of the best films at the 2019 Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival by Sight & Sound magazine. The film also obtained the New Visions Award at the 73rd Edinburgh International Film Festiva and was nominated for the 2019 BAFTA Scotland Awards in the category of Best Short Film.