Maria Bakalova and Rebekah Fortune Explore Grief and Imagination in ‘Learning to Breathe Under Water’ as a Shark Takes Center Stage
July 6, 2026 — The film Learning to Breathe Under Water, directed by Rebekah Fortune, features a notable cast including Rory Kinnear and Maria Bakalova. The film will have its world premiere on July 7 as part of the Special Screenings program at the 60th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF).
At the heart of the story is young Ezra Carlisle, who portrays Leo, an eight-year-old boy grappling with the absence of his mother for five years. Leo’s only confidant is a large shark, constructed by his artist father, which is mounted on the roof of their home. This unusual friendship serves as a means for Leo to navigate his complex emotions until the arrival of Anya, played by Bakalova. Anya’s vibrant personality and straightforward approach to life challenge Leo and his father to confront their emotional barriers.
Themes of Grief and Communication
The KVIFF website describes Learning to Breathe Under Water as an “enchanting film for parents and children,” focusing on themes of communication and grief. It addresses how children perceive the often confusing world of adults and emphasizes the importance of valuing children’s perspectives.
Cinematography for the film was handled by Richard Kendrick, with filming taking place in Galway, Ireland. The project is produced by Jack Tarling and Patrick O’Neill, with Bankside Films managing sales. The film was also featured in the BFI’s Cannes Great 8 showcase for 2025.
A Unique Perspective
Fortune expressed her immediate connection to the script written by Richard Brabin, stating that it resonated with her personal experiences, particularly as someone on the autism spectrum. She appreciated how the character Leo articulates his thoughts candidly while also struggling to process complex emotions. This authenticity was a significant draw for her as a director.
Bakalova echoed these sentiments, noting that the script felt special and relatable from the moment she read it. She emphasized the film’s universal themes and the unique perspective of Leo, which adds depth and empathy to the narrative.
Casting Choices and Character Dynamics
The casting process for Leo was particularly focused on finding neurodivergent children, whether diagnosed or not. Fortune reviewed numerous self-taped auditions, ultimately selecting Carlisle for his authentic portrayal of the character. During a Zoom meeting, Carlisle’s spontaneous behavior confirmed to Fortune that he was the right fit for Leo.
Bakalova described her character, Anya, as possessing a magical, childlike spirit. She highlighted the importance of Anya’s role in fostering a connection with Leo, despite his initial resistance. The chemistry among the cast, including Kinnear, was also praised, with Bakalova considering Kinnear a “national treasure.”
Symbolism and Visual Elements
The film features a shark as a central symbol, representing Leo’s imaginative coping mechanism for understanding his mother’s death. Bakalova noted that the shark plays a crucial role in the characters’ emotional journeys, illustrating the process of accepting life’s realities.
Fortune explained that the title Learning to Breathe Under Water serves as a metaphor for navigating life’s challenges. She shared that the original title, Dead Sea, felt more aligned with a horror film, prompting the change.
The film also incorporates unique visual elements, such as animated sequences and the recurring motif of toast popping from a toaster. Fortune explained that these elements were not originally in the script but evolved during production to enhance the emotional narrative.
Future Projects and Aspirations
Fortune expressed her enthusiasm for future collaborations with producer Jack Tarling, indicating a desire to explore more genre-based projects. Bakalova, while unable to disclose her next endeavors, hopes that Learning to Breathe Under Water resonates with a broad audience.
For more information on Learning to Breathe Under Water, visit Hollywood Reporter.
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Published on 2026-07-06 12:30:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk