More Like Paul

Now 88, 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 award-winning documentary short 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.
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Sustainability Notes:
As the science continues to suggest, adopting a vegan lifestyle is one of the most impactful actions an individual can take to help address the climate crisis. It significantly reduces emissions, water use and land degradation while sparing countless animal lives. More Like Paul follows 88-year-old ultra-marathon runner Paul Youd, who fuels his remarkable endurance entirely on a plant-based diet, proving that compassion and sustainability can work side by side.
The film’s message is simple but powerful. Individual choices matter. By choosing a plant-based way of living, we can all play a part in creating a healthier planet and a kinder world.
During production, we made a conscious effort to keep our environmental impact low, working with a small crew, travelling locally, using digital workflows and relying on natural light wherever possible. Sustainability wasn’t just part of the story, it guided the way the film was made.
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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 ultras, 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.