Rising Actress Makes Directorial Debut and Wins Multiple International Awards for Her Powerful Short Film
Chiara Gheller has recently made a bold and compelling entrance into the world of filmmaking with her debut short film, What About You?, a gripping narrative that continues to collect many wins on film festival circuits!
Multiple Award Wins & Great Recognition
Following its earlier recognition with a Certificate of Excellence and a Special Festival Mention at the 14th Kolkata Shorts International Film Festival 2025, the film has now earned Chiara a series of major wins. Most notably, she took home Best Director at the Mokkho International Film Festival, where What About You? also won the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Short Film, the Best Screenwriter Award, and received an additional Special Mention Award.
What About You? was named a Semi-Finalist and awarded a Certificate of Achievement at the Indie Short Fest – Los Angeles International Film Festival, one of LA’s prominent platforms for emerging filmmakers.
A Story That Cuts Beneath the Surface
Set in the heart of Los Angeles, What About You? peels back the glossy façade of West Hollywood to reveal the emotional fractures and hidden lives behind closed doors. Co-written by Chiara Gheller, Jayda Brown, and Amy Webb, the short film poses the piercing question about an individual’s life path determined by just a choice: “What if someone’s decision could change your life forever?”
The film explores silence, secrets, and the social masks people wear to survive. At its core is Ava, the film’s central character, whose fate becomes the catalyst for uncovering grief, identity, and the weight of societal expectations.
Behind the Camera: A New Voice Emerges
Chiara Gheller’s directorial voice resonates with emotional depth and social awareness. What About You? demonstrates her natural talent for character-driven storytelling, while boldly confronting taboo topics and the unseen realities of life.
“Everyone in the City of Los Angeles has a story, but in this West Hollywood residence, they are hidden behind closed doors.”
This layered approach showcases Chiara’s evolution not only as an actress, but also bringing her depth into the world of filmmaking.
Chiara Gheller on the Power of Storytelling
In a recent interview, Chiara opened up about her creative vision and the themes she hopes to continue exploring through her work:
“Real life stories; I love movies based on real events or people having existed because I found them even more impactful knowing that it actually happened, whether it was sad or happy,” she shared.
“Other than the meaningful and powerful real life stories, I’d love to tell stories about what most people are too afraid to talk about—society’s taboos, topics that could create polemics, and create awareness. I don’t want my art to only be looked at, I want it to move people, to create debates and reflections.”
A Filmmaker to Watch
With What About You?, Chiara Gheller has made a confident and resonant directorial debut, one that has not only captured the attention of critics and audiences alike but has also showcasing her
as a powerful new voice in Hollywood. With years of experience as an actress and many projects in entertainment, Chiara Gheller continues to expand her talent to make an impact in entertainment. Be sure to follow Chiara Gheller to keep up with her official filmography and award wins!