The Quiet Village

Breakfast scene – the overflowing milk becomes a metaphor for abundance mixed with uncertainty, a small detail that makes the ordinary moment feel fragile.
Holding a childhood photograph – she looks at an old picture of herself with her nonna, a reminder of roots that run deep. It’s a quiet, tender moment that connects past and present, showing why leaving is such a difficult choice.
Drink at the bar – the vibrant colours contrast with her quiet expression, highlighting the tension between social life and private worries.
Walking through the village – her movement through the old streets shows both belonging and restlessness.
Another walk through narrow streets – tradition and history press in from every wall, while she keeps moving forward.
Shopping for vegetables – a ritual of village life, simple and essential, but also a reminder of limited choices.
Brushing her teeth – a private, intimate moment that strips life down to routine, suggesting continuity despite uncertainty.
Relaxing on the sofa – a cozy but isolated scene, showing how home can be both comforting and confining.
Sitting above the valley – she appears calm yet solemn, facing the vastness of her surroundings, almost swallowed by the landscape.

Story

This is the story of a young woman living in a small mountain village in Italy. She has just finished her studies and is now searching for a job. She loves her village deeply. She wants to live close to her parents, her relatives, and her friends. But there are no jobs available.

Her village was once thriving. People worked as farmers, there was life and activity in every street. Over time many people have left. During the holidays the village comes alive again when families return, but after that it becomes quiet and lonely. Many young people have already left in search of work in the cities.

This is not just her story. There are hundreds of villages like this all across Italy. They are slowly disappearing because of a lack of employment opportunities. The Italian government has introduced initiatives to encourage people to move back, offering cheap houses and other incentives. But is that enough? Can a few initiatives really protect young people like her who want to stay, who want to live where they belong?

Through this series of photographs we see her daily life. She has breakfast in her family kitchen. She shares a drink with friends at the bar. She walks through the narrow streets of her village. She spends a moment reflecting while looking over the valley. She shops for fresh vegetables at the small local market. She relaxes on the couch in the evening. She brushes her teeth before bed. These are ordinary moments, but together they tell a larger story about what it means to grow up in a place that is beautiful but fading.

This is not just about one village. It is about the future of rural Italy. It is about identity, belonging, and the struggle of young people who must choose between home and opportunity.

Italy, Summer 2025.