Long Way From Home

After graduating from university Maya still does not know what to do in her future. Frustrated with society's expectations towards young adults, she decides to move to a different city with the hope of a fresh start. When an old friend offers to give her a lift, the car ride is spent rekindling the friendship, remembering the past, and contemplating the future.

  • Laura Martin
    Director
  • Laura Martin
    Writer
  • Dominic Lewisohn
    Producer
    Closed Doors, Thunderowl, Pigeon-livered
  • Jenny-Ann Windbreak
    Producer
  • Sarah Sideras
    Key Cast
    "Maya"
  • Thomas Round
    Key Cast
    "Max"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Roadtrip, Romance, Short, Student, Coming of age, University
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    January 15, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University College London
  • Private Premiere in Camden
    London
    United Kingdom
    October 8, 2023
    London Premiere
    N/A
Director Biography - Laura Martin

Laura Martin (she/her) is a Writer/Director from Romania/Greece currently studying for an MA in Filmmaking at the London Film School.

Alongside completing her degree in Arts and Sciences, with a major in neuroscience at University College London, Laura embarked on her directorial short film debut, "Long Way From Home".

Laura's films focus on everyday facets of the human experience that are often left unspoken. Through these films she wishes to provide comfort through a visual medium to convey that we are not isolated in our suffering. Laura is also interested in filmmaking from the female perspective, with her stories often following a character navigating the fundamental aspects of the female experience, such as the objectification of women, what it means to play the role of a girl, girlhood and the mistreatment of women in society.

Whilst at University College London Laura was an active member of the UCL Film Society and worked on several films during this time. She co-created "Rescue" (2022) which won Best Documentary at the Festival of Moving Image London which she then joined the judging panel for in 2023. Laura also worked as DoP for a variety other shorts such as "Erased" (2021), "Apricot" (2023), "The Angel Members Club" (2023) & "Tea for Two" (2024). Despite currently focusing on writing and directing, Laura has experience in various departments having also worked in the camera, art, sound, and lighting department, as well as in post-production editing, sound design and VFX.

At the London Film School Laura is further developing her filmmaking style and continuing to create. Having written and directed "Left Behind" (2023), "The Execution of Lady Jane Grey" (2024) and directing a short documentary "This Moment is More Precious Than You Think" (2024) whilst working on other projects currently such as producing her own horror film podcast.

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Director Statement

The diverging of paths of my close friends as we progressed into adulthood meant that I lost touch with many of the people whom I once believed would remain in my life forever. It was an incredibly difficult fact for me to come to terms with, that the journey into adulthood is often made alone, and that it is normal for people to fade in and out of your life. Drawing on my own life experiences throughout the filmmaking process has made this film one that I hold dear to my heart. I created the film for those similar to Maya to express that not being certain of your future does not mean you have failed your expectations. The film was also created to resonate with those who feel as if they have not found their place in life yet.