Chocolate Tronchetto

A story about distance, memory, and the unexpected warmth of shared traditions.

When 16-year-old Lily is forced to spend Christmas with her grandmother Franky - an independent woman full of old-school wisdom - they clash over what it means to be family. But through small acts of care, tension, and a long-standing tradition of baking the Chocolate Tronchetto, both come to rediscover each other.

Inspired by a real Christmas spent in isolation during the pandemic, this short film explores intergenerational disconnection, the emotional lives of the elderly, and the quiet power of unconditional love.

Director’s Note

“This story was born from a Christmas I didn’t expect. I had planned to go home to Italy after months apart from my family - but Covid changed everything. My grandmother picked me up from the airport, and I ended up spending the entire holiday with her in her countryside home. Without distractions or Wi-Fi, I found a connection I hadn’t made space for in years. Through coffee, long conversations, and her handmade food, I realised how much we leave unspoken - and how deeply our grandparents still wait for us.”

- Nicole Favarelli

Inspiration & Goals

Chocolate Tronchetto reflects a sadly common reality: how isolated many elderly people feel, even within their own families. I wanted to show how easy it is to make a difference - by being present, listening, and simply showing up. Through a warm lens and bittersweet tone, this short asks us to reconsider how we care for the people who once cared for us.