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AFTER SÃO JOÃO
A cinematic micro-thriller set in Porto, told through text messages.
ACT 1 — The Project
What is After São João?
A cinematic micro-thriller set in Porto, told through text messages.
A short episodic thriller designed as a series of cinematic chapters. Every episode unfolds through text messages, cryptic handwritten notes, and suspenseful cliffhangers that gradually reveal a larger mystery. While created with today's audiences in mind, the series is designed to be enjoyed on any screen.
Story Synopsis
The morning after São João, Miguel wakes to buzzing text messages from the man he works for—but has never met. The woman he brought home the night before is gone, leaving behind only a mysterious key. As the text messages become increasingly intrusive and a handwritten note suddenly slides under his door, Miguel realizes he's caught between two unseen forces—and choosing who to trust may be the most dangerous decision of all.
Why Porto?
After São João could only take place in Porto. From its historic streets and iconic landmarks to the unique atmosphere of São João, the city is woven into every chapter of the story. More than a setting, Porto becomes a character in its own right.
ACT 2 — The Inspiration
How did After São João begin?
After São João began during a Filmmaking Porto Meetup, where a group of filmmakers challenged ourselves to create an original series together. Inspired by the improv game "Yes, And...", we wondered if a story could evolve the same way—but through text messages instead of spoken dialogue. One idea led to another, and what started as a simple creative exercise gradually became a collaborative production.
Why tell the story through text messages?
We wanted to explore a different way of telling a cinematic story. Rather than relying on traditional dialogue, the series unfolds almost entirely through text messages and handwritten notes, allowing the audience to piece together the mystery one message at a time.
The format also made the production practical. By focusing on visual storytelling, natural locations, and available light, we could film with a small crew and minimal equipment while creating a style designed for today's audiences.
How was the story developed?
The series evolved through a collaborative writing process. Over multiple development sessions, the group expanded the mystery, developed the characters, refined the story, and assembled the creative team that would eventually bring After São João to life. Writers, actors, a director, cinematographer, and producer each contributed ideas that shaped the final series.
ACT 3 — The Team
Who's making After São João?
After São João is a collaborative production brought together through Filmmaking Portugal. Local Portuguese talent and international collaborators came together to share their ideas, creativity, and experience, building a team committed to creating something original together.
Why collaborate?
Creative collaboration is not always easy. Everyone brings different ideas, instincts, and opinions, and at some point a project still needs direction.
But that tension can also make the work better.
After São João was built like a small writers' room, where ideas were shared, challenged, refined, and reshaped over time. Not every idea made it into the final story, but every conversation helped strengthen the series.
The result is a project none of us could have created the same way alone.
ACT 4 — So much more to come...
How many episodes are in a season?
Season One consists of eight cinematic chapters, released one at a time. Each chapter ends with a cliffhanger, building toward the season finale on June 23 during Porto's São João festival.
Will there be more seasons?
That's the goal. After São João is envisioned as an annual storytelling project, with each new season exploring a fresh mystery while continuing to celebrate Porto and the spirit of creative collaboration.
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