Private Project

The Birth of Joy

"The Birth of Joy" tells the extraordinary and heart-wrenching story of Angelina Paulino, a woman whose dream of becoming a mother nearly cost her life. After nearly six years of infertility and longing for a child, Angelina finally becomes pregnant, but her labor day takes an unexpected and dangerous turn. An emergency C-section leads to severe internal bleeding, and doctors are forced to perform a hysterectomy to save her life.
In the midst of this harrowing experience, the powerful truth of joy and pain intertwine. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born, she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. Through this lens, The Birth of Joy captures the beautiful yet challenging journey of becoming a mother, the pain of the struggle, the deep sense of loss, and the overwhelming joy of new life.
This documentary is not only about the physical journey of labor and delivery; it is a story of resilience, hope, and the power of love. Angelina’s testimony is a testament to the miracles that can emerge from the most difficult of circumstances. Her story offers a message of encouragement to anyone facing their own struggles reminding them that even in our darkest moments, joy and transformation are possible.

  • Yaniel Paulino
    Director
    Greyscale, Something of Value
  • Yaniel Paulino
    Producer
  • Angelina Paulino
    Key Cast
  • Brooily Vargas
    Cinematographer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 29 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 10, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Yaniel Paulino

Yaniel Paulino is an Emmy-nominated director known for his captivating artistic style and the power of visual storytelling. His work showcases the innermost beauties within our world through his unique approach. Influenced by the works of renowned artists such as Rembrandt and cinematographer Roger Deakins, Yaniel creates natural, dim-lit sets that add depth and atmosphere to his projects.

Born in New York City and raised in the Dominican Republic, Yaniel's love for films began at a young age. As he immersed himself in the world of cinema, his passion grew, eventually leading him to pursue a career in the film industry.

Yaniel's talent and dedication have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades. In 2015, he received the "Best Short Film" award for his work on "A Walk Within." Three years later, he directed his debut feature film, "Grayscale," which won the Audience Award at the Chelsea Film Festival in 2020. In 2021, his direction of a PSA campaign for NYLFF agency earned him a Silver Telly award and an Emmy nomination, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled filmmaker. In 2022-23 he directed “Somthing of Value” which is now running on film festivals.

In addition to his directing endeavors, Yaniel Paulino is also a photographer. He studied Digital Cinematography and Visual Arts at Full Sail University, honing his skills in these areas. Yaniel's passion for emotionally-charged fine art photography complements his work as a director and allows him to express his artistic vision through multiple mediums.

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Director Statement

The Birth of Joy* is more than just a story about motherhood. It is a profound exploration of the human spirit, the interplay of pain and triumph, and the extraordinary resilience of love. As a director, this project holds a deeply personal connection for me. Angelina is not just the subject of this film, she is my wife and partner in life. Her journey to become a mother is one I vividly experienced alongside her. I was there for every step of the struggle, from the six years of longing and uncertainty to the life-threatening emergency that brought both our daughter “Elisse Joy Paulino” into the world and a seismic shift to our lives. Angelina’s journey is not only one of unimaginable physical and emotional challenges but also a reflection of the universal truth that life’s greatest joys often emerge from our deepest struggles.
Through this documentary, I wanted to create a space to honor the raw, unfiltered reality of becoming a mother. A reality that is often overlooked. Angelina’s story is one of faith and courage in the face of immense uncertainty, and her testimony resonates far beyond the confines of her experience. It speaks to anyone who has ever wrestled with their dreams, faced overwhelming obstacles, or wondered if the sacrifices they make will lead to something greater.
As a filmmaker, I was drawn to the contrasts in this story: the beauty and fragility of new life, the light and shadow of joy and loss, and the deep emotional bond that ties us all to the miracle of creation. In crafting this film, my goal was to ensure that Angelina’s voice remained at the heart of the narrative, allowing her journey to inspire and uplift others who may find themselves on similar paths.
“The Birth of Joy” is a reminder that our most challenging moments can carry the seeds of transformation. It is a testament to the power of love, perseverance, and the joy that can blossom even in the face of profound pain. I hope this film serves as a source of encouragement and a celebration of the incredible strength found in every parent’s journey.