Crucian filmmaker Jordan K. Paul is set to captivate St. Croix audiences with a special homecoming screening of his internationally acclaimed short film, “ANIMALS,” a press release announced.
The event, scheduled for Jan. 1, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at Caribbean Cinemas, promises an intimate and immersive experience for the local community and will include a Q&A session with the director immediately after the screening, according to the press release.
Paul is a West Indian writer/director hailing from St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands. Despite the absence of film programs on the island, Jordan self-taught the craft and later earned his BA in TV/Film production from DeSales University. “ANIMALS” marks his directorial debut, offering a compelling narrative inspired by his own experiences, the press release stated.
About “ANIMALS”:
In Paul’s second month of living in LA, his White roommate takes him on a bike tour of downtown. After sunset, they are stopped by two LAPD officers. After his roommate fights back against the officers, Paul must forge his way through an unknown world of racism and white privilege, the release stated.
“ANIMALS” follows the powerful narrative of a 21-year-old, Paul, as he navigates the challenges of life in Los Angeles, having recently moved from the U.S. Virgin Islands. The film explores themes of race, identity, and survival, providing a unique perspective on the experiences of Afro-Caribbean individuals in an unfamiliar environment, according to the release.
Film Milestones:
Since its debut, “ANIMALS” has garnered recognition at over a dozen international film festivals and received several nominations, showcasing Paul’s directorial prowess and storytelling finesse, it stated.
Film Festival Selections include:
- Micheaux Film Festival 2023
- San Antonio Film Festival 2023
- Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival 2023
- Kurdistan International Independent Film Festival 2023
- Montreal International Black Film Festival 2023
- International Adana Golden Boll Film Festival 2023
- The Macoproject Film Festival 2023
- Black Bottom Film Festival presented by Citizens 2023
- Social Impact Film Festival 2023
- Vancouver International Black Film Festival – 2023
- HollyShorts Monthly Screenings – Date TBD
- Los Angeles Black Film Festival – 2024
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Panavision Award Outstanding Short – Nomination
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Outstanding Cinematography – Nomination
Montreal International Black Film Festival
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Best Short Film – Nomination
International Adana Golden Boll Film Festival
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International Short Film Finalist
Community Support:
The film’s production was made possible through a successful crowdfunding campaign on Seed & Spark, raising over $16,000 with overwhelming support from the Virgin Islands community, according to the press release.
For more information and requests for interviews, contact Jordan K. Paul by email at jkpaulbusiness@gmail.com or call 213-925-2224.
Join the conversation on social media using the hashtags #ANIMALSfilm. Follow Paul on social media – @jordankpaul.
The media is invited to join this special screening and celebration of local talent. Your coverage will play a crucial role in sharing the success story of “ANIMALS” and the vibrant filmmaking community thriving in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
