Simple.

Poetic.

This short helped me find my center.

 

I cried a bit.

 

It’s simple—a butterfly emerges from the cocoon.

The cocoon’s surrounding makes or breaks that being’s life.

The caterpillar though. Where are they physically? What are they doing to transition?

 

I replaced Nando with myself.

Seeing the physical space that harbored my dream in walking distance of my home.

But never actually seeing myself in that space.

 

Ever.

 

Doing what I had dreamed.

Nope.

 

Not for me.

It wasn’t for me.

 

I could not afford it.

 

“NANDO” was stunning. The documentary short’s narrative was simplistic, but narrated a young boy’s desire to see a football ⚽ game at The Maracanã, the world’s most famous football stadium, with depth. The famed stadium is located directly across from his home in the Manguiera slum in Rio de Janeiro, a three-minute walk.

The short juxtaposed the architectures of the stadium and buildings within Manguiera, both of beauty. The dutch shots of the slum’s dimly lit alleyways with the quick shots of police presence and news broadcasts defined the perils of the slum. Conversely, the shots of the stadium were crisp, clean, and polished—a place of wonder.

 

The poem, narrated by Seu Jorge (“City of God“) aligned with Nando’s perspective, and was beautifully edited to its corresponding scenes.

 

My favorite shot was the steady zoom out of Nando sitting on a roof in Mangueira. ‘Twas absolutely gorgeous. 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾

The cinematography + aspect ratio combo was incredible and awe-inspiring.