“ANIMALS”: St. Croix Director Debuts Short Film at Pennsylvania Festival, Shedding Light on Racial and Cultural Themes

Emerging from St. Croix, filmmaker Jordan K. Paul is garnering attention with his inaugural short film “ANIMALS”, slated for display at the esteemed Black Bottom Film Festival in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The narrative of “ANIMALS” unravels the ordeal of a young man from the US Virgin Islands, who faces racial prejudice by the Los Angeles Police Department, triggered by a heated confrontation instigated by his white roommate. This episode propels him on an enlightening journey, underlining the inherent issues within the US policing framework.

Jordan K. Paul, in a discussion with CBC News, emphasized the importance of illustrating the viewpoint of an outsider entering the US, a narrative he believes is often overlooked. “The urgency to narrate this story stems from a necessity for such perspectives to come to light,” stated Mr. Paul.

The “outsider” vantage point depicted in the film mirrors Mr. Paul’s personal journey. Having relocated to Los Angeles about ten years ago to chase his filmmaking aspirations, he imparts his unique experiences through “ANIMALS”. “The film is a conduit for sharing my distinct perspective, molded by my personal journey,” expressed Mr. Paul.

The resonance of the narrative with Virgin Islanders, both residing locally and in the mainland, is palpable, especially through the opening sequence, visually reconnecting them with St. Croix. The film also features familiar faces, with Rafa’el Jadon Munroe and Sydney Paul, Mr. Paul’s sister, portraying key characters, enriching the relatability of the narrative for the audience from the Virgin Islands.

Transitioning from acting and crew roles into directing was a steep climb for Mr. Paul, primarily due to the scant film industry presence in the US Virgin Islands back in 2013. Yet, he credits his network-building efforts and diverse on-set experiences for equipping him with the necessary acumen for directing. His upbringing on St. Croix, he reflects, endowed him with a conducive demeanor for networking and establishing a footing in the industry.

The unique lens through which Mr. Paul observes and portrays societal dynamics is what he believes profoundly resonates with viewers. He envisions further exploration of these themes in his subsequent projects.

Reflecting on his early aspirations, Mr. Paul encourages other young Virgin Islanders to remain steadfast in their endeavors, regardless of their humble beginnings. He acknowledges the diminishing barriers to filmmaking owing to technological advancements, asserting, “The filmmaking journey can commence with just a smartphone.”

The East Coast is set to witness the premiere of “ANIMALS” on October 29, at 2:10 p.m., hosted by the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. Post-screening, a dialogue with Mr. Paul is arranged, offering the audience an opportunity to delve deeper into the themes of the film.