VOCE | Omeleto

A young woman tries to deliver a message to her estranged grandmother.
VOCE is used with permission from Em Smith. Learn more at emsmith.work.
Chiara has just arrived in Italy. The young woman is on her way to her estranged grandmother's home, whom she hasn't seen in many years -- and she has a message to deliver from her mother. But even when faced with a warm welcome, she can't bring herself to say what it is quite yet.
After trying again to communicate with her grandmother about her mother's message and sparking only anger and indignation from the matriarch, Chiara takes refuge in the beautiful countryside, where a chance encounter helps her summon her courage and free her voice.
Directed by Em Smith from a script co-written with James Fritz, this short family drama is a young woman's journey from internal fear and stasis to acceptance, freedom and reconciliation. Played out against a story of familial estrangement across generations, Chiara is asked to be a bridge between the different factions but finds navigating the tense, emotional volatility difficult, especially given her own raw emotions about the situation.
Shot with luminous, natural light and intimate camerawork, the visuals chart not just the uniqueness and beauty of this corner of Italy but also capture Chiara's emotional and psychological journey with delicacy and poeticism. Chiara is a serious, quiet and shy young woman, and her arrival in Italy immediately surrounds her in a barrage of language. Everyone around her, even people on the street, is quick to talk back, offer opinions and assert themselves, and Chiara is often too flummoxed to respond.
As the film proceeds, we see just why Chiara has such a hard time communicating. It isn't just the language barrier or her reserved, sensitive temperament. Hinted at with few but effective snippets, a difficult emotional situation at her home in London has propelled her from her comfort zone, and she must contend with her feelings about it. But instead, she seems intimidated by both the task entrusted to her and her grief about what's going on.
Actor Sorcha Groundsell plays Chiara's overwhelm and pent-up feelings with beautiful subtlety, and she has an emotional translucence that transmits even the feelings that she's trying to hide or avoid. After trying again to communicate with her grandmother about her mother's request, she takes refuge in the beautiful countryside, where she hears angelic melodies coming from a cave and discovers a group of women singing together, taking advantage of the acoustics to make music.
The centerpiece of VOCE is this stunning scene, which captures the wordless way that music both expresses and transforms deep emotion, transcending language and circumstance to become one of the few universal experiences available to us. The music and community free something in Chiara, helping her find her voice and play a part in bringing broken pieces of her family back together. Ironically, the film ends with a wordless scene that is moving in its simplicity, and articulate in its evocation of familial love that endures, despite all it's been through.

[@basilrose]

The ways that women hurt each other and the ways that women help each other. The choice is ours.

[@CAMBY608]

a great short to me is when you don't even have to "hear" the message....you just "know" the message. It was very much felt. I think the granddaughter and the grandmother are going to become close and the I bet the granddaughter even ends up staying and living there. btw, the singing in that cave was beautiful! :)

[@Prizzy999]

I'm italian and I recognize the "domus de janas" (tombs of the giants) in those caves, so the film must have been shot on the Sardinian island, where matriarchy is still part of the local culture. I lived there for years, and it's a beautiful, mysterious island with a very ancient history. Beautiful and sad, loved it.

[@ruthpittman4079]

Could you please tell me the name of the songs? There were two Is there an English translation?

[@ldavanzo44]

This is where I want to visit xo

[@ldavanzo44]

@@ruthpittman4079 I hope there is an answer I'd love to know too

[@felipelotas5609]

@@ruthpittman4079 I truly resonate with those songs....I´ll do a little research on my own too...I´ll let you know if I find something. Would you be so kind to do the same in case you find first? Thanks in advance!!

[@ciaobella8963]

I live in Italy, now in Liguria. I didn't know this about Sardegna, but I have been wanting to go there alone, by myself at 75. A strange yet clear calling without doubt. So, after seeing this poignant film, I will go soon. And thank you Prizzy for your comment. Dio ti benedica.

[@anilachar323]

Loved the rhythm of the scenes : Indoors' hesitation in the Grandmother's home, to the liberating escape into the outdoors, and finding meaning and courage in the subterranean hollows of the caves.

[@user-mo3ue1to2o]

The daughter has drop dead gorgeous eyes😍

[@DeceasedONE]

She is gone. The grandmother's daughter, the traumatized granddaughter. Trauma and a severe language barrier. The message was. "My mother died." That was the message all along. It has still to sink in fully. That young girl is going through a pretty traumatic experience right now. I feel bad.

[@chakglanz4656]

And how do you explain the visions of the nona in a wheelchair and tubbed?

[@DeceasedONE]

​@@chakglanz4656 the young ones' memories. There is depth. She is angry, hurt, sad, scared, and more. Desperate. You see that it was too late. I see it in all of their faces.

[@wplains]

@@chakglanz4656 That wasn’t the grandmother, that was her Mum.

[@durasaxon5131]

If you love your mom? It is a most normal feeling. You mourn and you remember the joys. The pain is significant. It is not an easy time. What is impossible with men is possible with God. Real healing. Here I say it... " I love you so much, Mom " Love is beautiful

[@ciaobella8963]

@@chakglanz4656 Her last days. She was dying.

[@robinc1734]

Stubborn mother til her dying day. Her egotistical reticence to patch up while she could, causing needless sufferings to both her grieving mother and poor daughter. And love the open, loving nature of Italians I'm blessed to have experienced.

[@brasileirosim5961]

I am right now in an Italian restaurant and trying not to look silly, holding my tears.

[@bunnicula38]

Then quit with the drama llamaz.

[@LabGecko]

@@bunnicula38 I feel sad for you that this is your response. Hope your life improves soon.

[@bunnicula38]

@@LabGecko Even more faux sad drama llamaz

[@nickiehartmusic]

Everything about this short film was wonderful from the acting to the cinematography. So emotional and moving. I am sad now though! :-(

[@ciaobella8963]

I am not sad. I am happy that the daughter found her foundation, heritage, and her ancient heartbeat.

[@debabratasengupta3486]

Stunned by the expression of the Artists.

[@annemacleod1421]

Sensitively filmed and acted… a short film can take you on an emotional journey. This was beautifully delivered. 🐑🐑🇳🇿🇳🇿NZ

[@glennparker5516]

Great job cast and crew. Way past sentimental. I didn't cry but tears just fell out of my eyes. Wondering is her mother dead or dying.

[@DeceasedONE]

She is very much unalive. :(

[@wplains]

I think she’s either dead or dying because the granddaughter wanted her to come to London. Either to see her for the last time or to attend the funeral. Sad when people are estranged.

[@wplains]

Italy is such a wonderful country.

[@adamjay2ndward]

i planned to retire there ...very very soon

[@Godrules1111]

Close knitted women groups that's what the world needs more of. An excellent show of kindness, family, and acceptance.

[@seagullofchaos6192]

I wish I'd have a mother who cared deeply like this. Both my birth and adoptive have scarred me deeply I cannot ever go back to having contact. I have been having to work healing the wounds of abuse, neglect, unwanted. I am glad I will not have to mourn a regret of not giving any so called family the ability to contact me. Because they chose their path, I've chosen mine. I have no regrets. I await the day to hear they have passed so I can celebrate it.

[@abhilashachoudhary7249]

More power to you. Stay strong ❤️

[@lances4803]

LOVE the cinematography! The scene overlooking the city at dusk was timed perfectly.

[@helenstewart4050]

How we prepare or children to take on these tasks of life ! Can it be a burden or a blessing in disguise !Thankyou from a Nonna in 🇨🇦❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@asideofaioli4630]

I will never be prepared to deliver such a message, let alone go through it myself. My mother is my absolute everything, without her i am nothing.

[@justinhamai4631]

Doesnt have to just be an italian family, asian families are the same way. Im sure all walks of life share similar views.

[@pauldavey]

At first I thought well this is awkward then the magnitude of her task hit me. At the 13.50 mark made me wellup. Sad so very sad. Great story, great acting well done.

[@MsPetra2009]

I'm not crying. Just allergies. Yeah...allergies.

[@patrickdurham8393]

I wouldn't want to be the bearer of bad news in that situation.

[@chazlewis8114]

Extremely well done. Love the cinematography.

[@RicardoMontee]

Jez, the amount of love that these scenes and actors emote is astounding.

[@salvatorefolisi3102]

Beautiful film. The singing in the cave was magical ... If you like this music check out Dead Can Dance.

[@soneelita]

Similar to Indian film ,'' Udhar Ki Zindagi.''

[@breezybae_07]

very feely~ the emotions are delivered so purely by the actors and the rythms/songs, absolute talent!

[@quikinn527]

Wow this actually made me cry. Beautiful short

[@antoninab7956]

I like the atmosphere, but the question is why she could not have used a phone to communicate? I understand that it is for the plot, but then she maybe should not have used it at the beginning to find a place…

[@RubeeRoja]

Maybe it was the last wish for those two to reunite and be together, despite whatever their relationship had been between

[@roamiethatcher3338]

Beautiful film. Really well done.

[@dumbcat7331]

You guys are great. Wonderful filmmakers. Never stop making what you love even though you have small views.

[@hank1519]

A true gem!

[@daftyduckie4207]

bawled my eyes out, recognised Sardinia from my old italian boss' description! beautiful film.

[@gingerblue4253]

Sorry but it's Basilicata not Sardinia

[@em1osmurf]

my wife's youngest sister has just died, her next sister murdered decades ago, and i nearly lost her 2 years ago, our mortality rears its ugly head. i told her i hoped she went before me, so she didn't have to see me sink into dementia, my family legacy. living to old age isn't always a good thing.

[@hopehoping]

Your courage and compassion - to be willing to take on such a prospect alone, in order to spare your wife - are impressive. I hope very much that you are spared that family legacy.

[@MezbahRijvee]

This is gonna be a good one

[@keeshalafaye9074]

I cried at the face scene 🥹🥰

[@lauriejoneswilson5925]

Beautifully well done by all I had to grab a tissue towards the end 😢❤

[@lauras610]

What a beautiful beginning for a longer film. xo

[@AnnemieM]

I love the singing.

[@abhilashachoudhary7249]

Wonderful short. Loved it...and the actor playing Chiara has so beautiful eyes.

[@emergentform1188]

Very cool, great acting and singing too. Bravo!

[@wplains]

The grandmother has a wonderful bone structure. She must have been very beautiful as a young woman.

[@luxuryqueen42]

She’s still beautiful ☺️

[@nova4005]

Beautiful.

[@joannewatts9892]

I Love Italian people . My beautiful Aunt Mary Lou married an Italian man .. my step dad was Italian & I adored him .. the list goes on & on 💕 💙♥️ 👏

[@luxuryqueen42]

Italians are all about family and good food 👍

[@johannemilsom7503]

beautiful.

[@ldavanzo44]

Well done! Bravo!

[@galukya1]

Sooo sad and sooo good🌟🤲🏾

[@knowledgeatmosphere7550]

This girl is look like raavi pandya (pandya store siriyal character) 😲

[@yhwhtlc9217]

Seriously there are translation apps now

[@donnawhetstine1045]

Good movie..👍😊

[@quokka_11]

3:25 Think Amy Poehler. Can you unsee it?

[@jime6739]

What an insult.

[@quokka_11]

@@jime6739 To whom tho?

[@durasaxon5131]

Endearing. The joyful singing of the young girls was inspiring. The message was your daughter/ my mama is dying. Sadness Juxtaposed Joy The backdrop of Italia was enticing. Serious and poignant film. Reality.

[@ksstores839]

She found her love? N also a translator to help her explain

[@therealJamieJoy]

No. Her mother is dying, and has requested the grandmother (her own mother) to come to see her on her death bed. At this point in time she may have already died. The translator understood the situation and would help to tell the grandmother.

[@deepsleep7822]

@@therealJamieJoy : I assumed most of that. Is the translator a lesbian (not that there is anything wrong with that) - the kiss on the lips. Or is that an Italian thing? I thought a kiss on the cheeks sufficed.

[@therealJamieJoy]

@@deepsleep7822 personally I think the kiss is loving but not romantic. I could be mistaken, of course. The island of Sardinia has a matriarchal social hierarchy. Interesting to read about. Might explain the more effusive manner of all the women plus the childhood friend.

[@deepsleep7822]

@@therealJamieJoy : Sardinia - thanks, I did not know that.

[@therealJamieJoy]

@@deepsleep7822 I'm not positive, but I recognize those caves to be on the island, and I do understand they have the matriarchal social hierarchy. Perhaps they did find love? That would be a happier ending!

[@RebeccaLynnMusic]

Can someone please explain why the daughter would not communicate with her only mother? What is the reason for this? That's tragic.

[@DeceasedONE]

She never forgave her mother. The neglect, trauma, secrets...some unforgivable acts, surely. Actual people in need are capable of dishing out some of the worst horrors... Everyone involved suffers. She is still in shock.

[@RebeccaLynnMusic]

@@DeceasedONE how were you able to find out that the grandmother was not a good mother? Is this what you are saying?

[@DeceasedONE]

@@RebeccaLynnMusic How else does something like this happen... I feel no love. They were not close. Resentment, lies, life. Running away and never communicating, let alone in another langue. Love hurts. It all falls hand in hand. So much more with family. I have not talked to my father in 17 years. I still love him.

[@VeretenoVids]

We aren't meant to know what happened because the focus of the story is the the granddaughter being sent to give a very difficult message and how she struggles with it. In the end it doesn't really matter what happened, we're here to witness the trauma of the teenager.

[@DeceasedONE]

@@VeretenoVids It happened; I know. If you resent someone, Doom is the only option. End all. She is very hurt and not interested. The Grandmother is lucky to know the end, actually. People DIE every day. The ones that do not are still infected. (not a question.) I see the trauma in the teenager.

[@Cartier_specialist]

I think I get it but some people apparently are too dull to figure it out.

[@tjmmcd1]

You 'THINK' you get it, but you're condemning others for being too 'dull' to figure out what you 'think' you get, even though you never explain what you 'think' you get?

[@aarons7975]

@@tjmmcd1 He could be referring to himself, but you just HAVE to be the sjw and condemn him for.. well even you are not sure, but since it's you, that's ok right?

[@WDUJSay]

From time immemorial Women heal women Men heal men Let us take our rightful spots in this world Don’t give up

[@nathanielball365]

I love how beautifully this captured Italian culture. Such a mysterious and incredibly captivating place. Would LOVE to visit there one day. But I KNOW all too well the shock and readjusting period (PTSD) your mind goes through losing a parent. RIP Dad 1/20/1991 who was tragically killed by a drunk driver when I was 11. Not long after my mother remarried to an Amazing man I'll carry with me the rest of my life... TO my Step father who took up the stressful place my father left behind and was not only a Wonderful Father for almost 30 years of my life but a True friend when my family and I needed one most. Love you Pop(Scott Vollmer 1/13/2022) RIP to both my Dads. Beautiful film You don't need words at times like these. One look says 1,000 words....

[@Metal-Possum]

The lesbian action in this was hot. 🥵

[@jodyfulford8215]

Can we please get away from the microscopic subtitles. I had to stop watching.

[@ellayararwhyaych4711]

Stirring.

[@emergentform1188]

Was that supposed to be a dube she sparked up at the end there? I hope so. If it was a cig of some sort then that's super trashy.

[@richadastonish5249]

I knew it from the start that they were practicing witchcraft.

[@Tehui1974]

Is that what you call it?

[@verandisoldusty6834]

|s that what they call choir practice were you come from? 🙄🥸🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@therealJamieJoy]

Women singing together happily and rejoicing in song is witchcraft? Go back to your cave and don't come out for a few more centuries, please.

[@BeauteOr]

In caves , just use your brain !

[@Prizzy999]

That's matriarchy at its best, not witchcraft. If you do not know the ancient history of italian islands you'll better shut up. Ignorance is not cool these days, ya know.

[@toofastforyall8590]

She's Jewish not Italian

[@BeauteOr]

And Marie…pfff

[@KomatsuHB215LC-1]

Ngl she looks more like she is british