Mariana Queiroz

Between here and there, we do not belong anywhere. The world collapses into snow and flames.

Tales of Death is a project that has united 12 directors of Independent Cinema from various parts of Brazil, in the challenge of creating short films of the most varied genres and styles, where death is the main theme.

Vlad is one of the employees in the Human Resources department at his company. As the end of the year approaches, he becomes responsible for organizing the "firm party", an end-of-year party to boost the morale of the staff, deeply shaken by a series of layoffs. Determined to prove himself to his ex-girlfriend, he accepts the challenge. Everything starts well, but things end up getting out of Vlad's control, who will have to do everything possible and impossible to solve all the problems and make the party work.

At the foot of Penha Church, Joana reunites with her ex, Maria, after months of disappearance following an anxiety crisis. Maria reveals she is pregnant, hoping for clarity about their future, but Joana feels overwhelmed and unable to recommit. Now living with her friend Ana and obsessively focused on work, Joana grows increasingly withdrawn. Through flashbacks, we see her once fully in love with Maria, fearless and open—until she faints while using virtual reality glasses. Joana confesses to Ana that she created a program recreating her memories with Maria, reliving their relationship in digital form. In a final virtual goodbye, this fragmented Maria gives Joana the closure she needs. Accepting reality, Joana ultimately deletes the program, letting go even though part of her remains inside it.