A portrait of youth set against the silent weight of Sicilian heritage
In the baroque city of Noto, in the heart of Sicily, unfolds a story as raw as it is poetic.
The short film Caruso follows a young motocross rider navigating the fragile threshold between adolescence and adulthood — a space shaped by freedom, expectation and the cultural pillars of family, religion and tradition.
Set against sun-drenched streets, Catholic landmarks and opulent Baroque façades, director Matt Baron blurs the lines between documentary and narrative. Working with a cast of non-actors, he creates a sense of intimacy that feels lived rather than staged — capturing both the desire for self-definition and the quiet pull of inherited values.
“Caruso is the main character’s last name but also means boy or lad. Sometimes a bit naughty or figuring themselves out.”
Baron allowed chance encounters and local impressions to guide the filming process. Familiar motifs of Sicilian culture — from family rituals to religious iconography — weave through the film, creating a visual study of youth, belonging and the weight of tradition.
About NOWNESS
Caruso is presented on NOWNESS, the leading global platform for curated contemporary storytelling. Known for its cinematic and art-driven approach, NOWNESS showcases compelling perspectives on creativity, culture and the human experience.
