Paul’s practice focuses on collaboration with marginalised and working class communities, the effects of austerity and a Britain in conflict on analogue cine and stills formats.
His most recent 16mm film “Mirrors”, funded by BFI Doc Society with support from The Eaton Fund and Oppenheim-Downes Trust, premiered at Sheffield DocFest 2022 and was longlisted for best short film at the British Independent Film Awards.
In 2018 he was awarded the ‘Portrait of Britain’ prize by the British Journal of Photography and his work was exhibited nationwide. In recent years he has received funding from Arts Council England, Video Jam and The Chalk Cliff Trust.
He continues to run 16mm workshops to pass on the analogue methodology and foster mentorship roles with students.
What began as a document of trades, traditions, cultures and home environments in contemporary England evolved and expanded to become 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 as well as family and friends. Shot exclusively on 16mm film, Mirrors is both lucid diary and poetic map - a meditation on human resilience in the most challenging era of our lifetime.
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
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
