Experiencing Interruptions?

More Like Paul

More Like Paul is an award-winning life-affirming 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.

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.

  • Paul Youd
    Key Cast
  • Damian Sciberras
    Director
    Saved By Jane
  • Damian Sciberras
    Producer
    Saved By Jane
  • Will Reddaway
    Cinematography
    Circumnavigate
  • Damian Sciberras
    Cinematography
    Saved By Jane
  • Damian Sciberras
    Editor
    Saved By Jane
  • Ed Winters
    Executive Producer
  • Joelene Sciberras
    Assistant Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    23 minutes 10 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 30, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    BlackMagic RAW & Sony S-log 3
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:4:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • World Premiere - Exeter Phoenix
    Exeter
    United Kingdom
    August 1, 2025
    World Premiere
  • Bournemouth International Film Festival
    Bournemouth
    United Kingdom
    October 3, 2025
    Winner Best Documentary Short | Best Editing Doc Short | Best Sound Doc Short
  • International Vegan Film Festival
    Toronto
    Canada
    November 1, 2025
    North American Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Activists Without Borders Film Festival
    Reading
    United Kingdom
    November 29, 2025
    Official Selection
  • Sheffield Adventure Film Festival
    Sheffield
    United Kingdom
    March 21, 2026
    Official Selection
  • Beeston Film Festival
    Nottingham
    United Kingdom
    April 24, 2026
    Official Selection
  • Here We Aren't
    Peterborough
    United Kingdom
    June 20, 2026
    Community Screening
Distribution Information
  • Vimeo On Demand
    Distributor
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: All Rights, Internet, Video on Demand
  • WaterBear Network
    Distributor
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: Internet, Free TV
  • Documentary +
    Distributor
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: Internet, Free TV
Director Biography - Damian Sciberras

I am a UK-based documentary filmmaker with a passion for real stories that challenge perceptions and drive positive change. My journey into filmmaking began in 2016 as a videographer, when I discovered the power of storytelling.

While volunteering at Starfield Farm Animal Sanctuary, I was struck by the similarity between farm animals and the companion animals in our homes. This led to my debut short film, Saved by Jane (2022), a 6-minute documentary sharing 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 a 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 her 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 88-year-old vegan ultramarathon runner Paul Youd, who is attempting to complete 100 ultramarathons before his 100th birthday. 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.

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Director 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.