More Like Paul (Pg)

About

Screening 23 mins plus Q & A - "At 87, Paul Youd is on a mission to complete 100 ultramarathons before his 100th birthday. He defies age and injury, proving that determination can carry us further than we think. As a passionate advocate and fundraiser for animal protection, Paul uses his journey to challenge perceptions and inspire change - championing what’s possible with a plant-powered lifestyle. More Like Paul is a life-affirming short documentary about purpose, resilience, and the influence of those who live by example - reminding us that meaningful change can begin with a single step, at any stage of life.

Director’s Statement

Whilst Paul and I share the same ethics, I was drawn to his determination and kindness. His goal of completing 100 ultramarathons before 100 is inspiring. More than that, Paul challenges age, endurance, and vegan stereotypes. His story aligns with my aim to represent resilience, individual activism, and ethical choices, making this film an exciting opportunity to further explore these themes.

Documentary filmmaking often requires patience, and More Like Paul was no different. In 2023, Paul had to cancel two ultramarathons due to illness, and balancing the film’s ethical stance was a challenge - ensuring Paul’s beliefs were clear without the film feeling overly persuasive, allowing the viewer to make up their own mind. Alongside his running, Paul’s commitment to raising money for animal charities while advocating for farmed animals adds another layer of depth to his journey.

I hope this film sparks curiosity and starts conversations. I want the viewer to experience Paul’s highs and lows and understand what drives him to do this for the animals. More than anything, I hope it encourages people to rethink their choices, particularly around food, and consider the possibility of thriving on a plant-powered lifestyle.

More Like Paul reinforced my belief in documentary storytelling as a tool to challenge norms, inspire action, and open meaningful conversations."