CINEMATIC VERTICAL STORYTELLING

An immersive short-form filmmaking experience in Porto

Create a one-minute cinematic vertical film in Porto using real locations, lightweight filmmaking techniques, and a shared story framework.

Develop. Film. Edit. Share.

THE NATA BANDIT FRAMEWORK

One shared story. Completely different films.

Inspired by the cinematic world of The Nata Bandit, this simple one-minute story framework is built around action, movement, and visual storytelling.

Each group creates its own version of the story through:

• a custom Nata Bandit character
• a stolen pastel de nata
• a unique foot chase through Porto
• a confrontation or fight sequence
• a hero who recovers the nata

Using smartphones or lightweight cameras, participants capture the story in real public locations throughout Porto while developing their own cinematic interpretation.

The original Nata Bandit short-form project was filmed in Porto using this lightweight production approach and was approved for filming in public city spaces by the Porto Film Commission.

THE EXPERIENCE
Three Phases of the Creative Process

THE PLAN

Creative Development

Participants begin by gathering together as a group to collaboratively shape the shared "Nata Bandit" story framework — a one-minute cinematic story built around:

• the identity of the Nata Bandit
• casting and character choices
• location selection throughout Porto
• chase and confrontation moments
• camera movement and shot ideas
• storyboarding and scene blocking
• how the story unfolds visually within the city

Together, the group creates a production roadmap before filming begins, while still leaving room for individual interpretation and creativity.

Choose Your Bandit • Choose Your Hero • Design the Chase • Plan the Confrontation storytelling.

THE SHOOT

Cinematic Interpretation

Participants meet on location throughout Porto to film the pre-planned scenes using smartphones or lightweight cameras.

Participants take on multiple creative roles including directing, cinematography, camera movement, and visual storytelling.

Because the scenes have already been storyboarded and visually blocked during development, the filming process moves efficiently while still allowing each participant to capture their own cinematic interpretation.

Each participant films the same core scenes while capturing their own visual perspective, creative choices, and storytelling style.

Film the Theft • Capture the Chase • Stage the Confrontation • Recover the Nata

THE SHOW

Final Screening & Social Sharing

After filming, participants independently edit and assemble their footage into a one-minute vertical cinematic piece using their own pacing, music, sound design, visual rhythm, and emotional tone.

Once completed, the group comes together for a collaborative screening celebrating the different interpretations of the shared story framework.

Participants are encouraged to publish and share their finished films across social media platforms as part of the overall storytelling experience.

Edit Your Version • Screen the Films • Compare Different Interpretations.