Actress Chiara Gheller Wins Best Director for “What About You?

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!