SUBMERGED, 14min., Brazil
Directed by Heloísa Cardoso
A young woman waits for her lover for a secret trip. However, he does not show up and does not respond to her messages. That’s when strange and inexplicable events begin to happen in her house. She asks for help from her lover, who ignores her. Realizing that she is hopelessly alone, she gives up waiting for salvation and surrenders to her own shadow.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

The relationship depicted in the film mirrors one I personally experienced, involving ghosting and psychological abuse. This type of relationship is also portrayed in my novel Glass Casket (Caixão de Vidro).

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

I came up with the idea for this film in 2021, began shooting in 2024, and completed the editing in 2025 — a process that took four years from start to finish.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Creepy / Unsettling

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The biggest challenge was definitely the low budget. Some ideas had to be discarded, and many others were modified.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was really moved by the feedback overall, but especially when viewers picked up on my references — like David Lynch and The Ring.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I've been a theater artist since childhood and have dedicated my entire life to the stage. It was only during the pandemic, with theaters closed, that I realized my writing and directing skills could also be applied to film — and when I started studying it, I fell in love with the audiovisual language.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

I've watched many horror films over and over throughout my life, but the last one I rewatched five times was Pearl.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

I think the overall festival experience was very satisfying — with the film screening, awards, interviews, and feedback. If I could add one thing, it might be a free review.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

The experience on the platform was great — very practical and intuitive.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I'm a vegetarian, so any meal without meat makes me very happy. But I have a special liking for pizza.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I am adapting my novel Glass Casket into a feature film — it also explores a psychologically abusive relationship. I'm also writing a new novel about psychiatric hospitalization.