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.
