IF WE DON’T BURN, HOW DO WE LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

Thirteen-year-old Laura feels adrift in her reconfigured family. Just as the forests and endless palm plantations begin to feel like home, she discovers a lurking secret that threatens the women she holds close. 

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

If We Don’t Burn, How Do We Light Up The Night is rooted in personal experiences from my childhood. I grew up in a rural area in Costa Rica that, although it seemed idyllic, had its own complexities. Nature unfolded as a place for play, but at the same time, it was a space filled with tension and uncertainty—a lurking darkness, born not of the land itself, but of the human forces that seeped into the landscape, leaving their mark on every corner of that fragile paradise.

While making this film, I was drawn to the lightness of childhood—the joy of play, the tenderness of love, the quiet bonds of friendship. At the same time, I wanted to capture the weight carried by a girl standing at the threshold between childhood and adulthood, learning to navigate a world where violence lingers like a shadow. It is a specter that touches not only her own body, but also the bodies of the women she loves most deeply, those who have shaped her heart and spirit.

Working closely with young actresses new to the world of filmmaking proved to be one of the most cherished learning experiences for me while crafting this film. We conducted a thorough casting and rehearsal process to find a common language, diving deep into the heart of the characters to whom they so generously gave a part of their true selves to bring to life. We nurtured an atmosphere of trust, playfulness, and care—ensuring the actresses felt safe and joyful while honoring the story we were creating together. These kids are truly the heart of the film.