2005 Great  Independent Film Festival

Death As A Tango

Category: Narrative Short 22 min: 58 sec
Director: Valerie Plimpton

Death As A Tango is the story of Kasey Barnett's struggle to rekindle her passion for life while dancing with death. Kasey is a vivacious little girl who loves to dance and play her way through each and every day. Tragically, while celebrating her 6th birthday, she suffers the sudden onset of a rare and debilitating disease. While in the hospital, Death appears to Kasey in the form of a man wearing a tuxedo. Transported to a ballroom they dance the tango. Frightened of Death, she withdraws from the dance and returns to life scared and confused. As the years pass, Kasey's fear turns into anger as she loses all hope of ever defeating her disease. A suicide attempt sends her to the hospital, where Death pays her another visit. This time, however, she is the one rejected by Death and forced to return to her life. Kasey is still unable to cope with the consequences of her illness and eventually tries to commit suicide again. This time, it appears as if she has succeeded. In the hospital, as her heart stops, Kasey finally relaxes and accepts Death into her life on his terms. She dances the tango with Death and is shocked to discover that the resulting passion reignites her desire for life.

Principle Cast:
Kate Mankoff
Andreas Beckett

Lea Carranza
Kaylee Defer
Michael Bulter Murray
Laurie McDermott
Brooke Sikkema
Colette Divine