Filmmakers Confront Family Silence and Exile

The documentary "Where the Silence Is Heard" premieres at CPH:DOX, offering an intimate look at inherited trauma across three generations. Directed by Gabriela Pena and Picho García, the film centers on Pena's return to a house in Chile abandoned during her family's exile.

Pena retraces her family's history, navigating the emotional distance from her mother and the legacy of General Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship. The film explores how love endures when shaped by fear, absence, and decades of silence, aiming to bring peace before the arrival of the next generation.

Directed and edited by the real-life couple Pena and García, the project was a six-year endeavor. They describe their creative partnership as essential, enabling them to confront deep-seated family wounds with mutual support and trust. García also brings a unique perspective, as his family remained in Chile during the dictatorship.

The filmmakers emphasize their intention to focus on the intimate family dynamics within the house rather than explicit politics. Pena hopes the film will allow her mother to feel seen and find peace, acknowledging that while their relationship may not be perfect, understanding has grown. The couple is currently prioritizing their young son, their "creative energy" for the moment.