Would you rather

Emilie, a bright and exceptionally creative ten-year-old, lives in a world where the line between reality and imagination blurs. Faced with her mother’s well-meaning but conformist expectations, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery learning to embrace the unique differences that make her who she is.

  • Fabrizio Quagliuso
    Director
  • Fabrizio Quagliuso
    Writer
  • Carlotta Sclano
    Key Cast
    "Emilie"
  • Roberta Geremicca
    Key Cast
    "Mum"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Narrative
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 16 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 18, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Wine Dark Short Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    October 6, 2024
    UK
    Best Cinematography
  • Wolverhampton Film Festival
    Wolverhampton
    United Kingdom
    April 27, 2025
    Honourable Mention
  • Festival of Cinema NYC
    New York
    United States
    August 2, 2025
    North Amercian Premiere
    Best Cinematography Nominee
  • Big Syn International Film Festival, London
    London
    United Kingdom
    November 7, 2025
    Best Children's Short Film
  • Worcester International Film Festival
    Worcester
    United Kingdom
    September 25, 2025
    Official Selection
  • Ealing Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    November 26, 2024
    Official Selection
  • West London Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    October 11, 2025
    Official Selection
  • KIDS FIRST! Film Festival
    Santa Fe, New Mexico
    United States
    Official Selection
  • International Festival "Corti da Sogni - Antonio Ricci
    Ravenna
    Italy
    April 9, 2025
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Fabrizio Quagliuso

Fabrizio Quagliuso is an Italian filmmaker and photographer based in London.

He focuses on personal, emotionally resonant narratives that combine layered visuals and introspective storytelling. His work explores identity, memory, and the subtle tension between inner life and the outside world.

In 2023, Fabrizio wrote and directed his debut short film Would You Rather, a quiet exploration of self-acceptance and embracing one’s uniqueness. He has written and will be directing his second short film, Those Sage Days, currently in pre-production and scheduled to shoot in August 2025.

Alongside his filmmaking, Fabrizio has published several photobooks, and his visual work has been exhibited in the UK, Italy, and Japan.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

'Would You Rather' is a self-produced short film that explores themes deeply meaningful to me, especially as a parent. I felt a strong need to express these ideas through this project.

'Would You Rather' is about the importance of being accepted for who we truly are. It reflects on the need for courage to be ourselves in a world that can often feel overwhelming.
It reminds us that, no matter what society or those around us may say, we always have a choice.
It is about the importance of our dreams, the only thing each one of us truly owns.
But most of all, it is about celebrating our differences and embracing the unique qualities that make us who we are.

We are all different, we are all beautiful.