At 87, Paul Youd is on a mission to complete 100 ultramarathons before his 100th birthday, he defies age and injury, proving that limits exist only in the mind. As an advocate and fundraiser for animal causes, he 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 documentary about resilience, purpose, and the impact of leading by example - at any age.

I am Damian Sciberras a UK-based documentary filmmaker with a passion for real stories that challenge perceptions and drive change. My journey into filmmaking began as a videographer, where I discovered the power of storytelling.

While volunteering at Starfield Farm Animal Sanctuary, I saw the connection between farm animals and the companion animals in our homes. This led to my first short film, Saved by Jane (2022), a 6-minute documentary about Jane Baker’s mission to rescue and rehome over 150 farm animals. The film was selected for nine festivals and won six awards, including Best Short Documentary and the Green Planet Award.

Since then, I have focused on resilience, ethical living, and underrepresented voices through documentary filmmaking. My second film, Held by the Water (co-directed with Will Reddaway), follows wild swimmer Fiona Holden as she embraces cold water swimming for mental and physical well-being.

As an emerging filmmaker, my ethics shape my storytelling. I am drawn to films that challenge societal norms, promote compassion, and highlight the power of a plant-based lifestyle. My latest documentary, More Like Paul, follows 87-year-old vegan ultra-marathon runner Paul Youd, who is attempting to complete 100 ultramarathons before his 100th birthday. I first learned about Paul’s story through a friend, and his journey immediately stood out. He defies stereotypes about ageing, endurance, and veganism, embodying the values I explore through my work.

I am currently developing new documentary projects, including A Bag for Life, which explores what it’s like to live with a stoma, continuing my commitment to bold, character-driven storytelling that reshapes perspectives and inspires action.

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.