Using the fragility and impermanence of 16mm film, Paul has documented social history throughout England during a decade of great divide and unrest, encompassing the breadth of this country's society and diverse culture.
Further works explore mortality and ritual, referencing and dissecting his upbringing.
In 2022, his film Mirrors, supported by BFI Doc Society, premiered in the International Short Competition at Sheffield DocFest and was later longlisted for BIFA Best Short Film.
His next film, Shadows, now in post-production, examines class, power and identity in England —an unflinching gaze at the structures that shape us.
What began as a document of trades, traditions, cultures and home environments in contemporary England evolved and became an all-consuming project. Mirrors is a witness to unprecedented events as they unfolded on this singular isle over seven extraordinary years.
From volatile public demonstrations to intimate domestic scenes, the film reveals the experience and emotions of living in England, explored through the lives of total strangers, family, and friends. Shot exclusively on 16mm film, Mirrors is both lucid diary and poetic map - a meditation on human resilience, a journey across an island.
Sheffield DocFest 2022 - International Short Competition Longlisted BIFA Short Film Award 2022 Coventry Cathedral (Special screening) Flatpack Film Festival 2023 Big Picture Festival 2023
Aesthetica Film Festival 2023 Kolkata Experimental Film Festival 2024
Full of Noises 2025
Stroud Film Festival 2025
Director & Cinematographer - Paul Daly Producer - Jacqui Davies Executive Producer - Lisa Marie Russo Editor & Additional Sound Design - Adam Biskupski Composer, Sound Designer & Mixer - Stefan Smith Vocal Composition & Performance - Zeina Nasr Type Design - Jack Kimberley Colourist - Gareth Bishop Additional Cinematography - Nathan Starr Assistant Editor - Inigo Manby
Picture Post Production - Dirty Looks Film Development & Telecine - Cinelab London Additional Film Development - Digital Orchard Film Stock - Kodak
Funded by BFI Doc Society, The Chalk Cliff Trust, Oppenheim-John Downes Memorial Trust, The Eaton Fund and Video Jam.