Paul Raschid is a highly acclaimed and respected British screenwriter-director, whose remarkable and extensive portfolio of work has garnered widespread critical acclaim and international recognition, resulting in a multitude of prestigious awards and nominations.
Paul's professional journey as a screenwriter gained significant momentum in 2015, when his inaugural produced screenplay, the captivating teen supernatural thriller "Unhallowed Ground", garnered prestigious accolades at the esteemed London Independent Film Festival and the British Independent Film Festival.
Paul's second feature as a writer-director was a sci-fi thriller/horror/drama masterpiece, remarkably shot within a mere 12.5 days. This cinematic marvel played to packed houses at an impressive 10 film festivals worldwide, including the esteemed Edinburgh International Film Festival, the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, the FrightFest horror film festival in the UK, the Mumbai Film Festival, the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) in South Korea, and the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival.
The lead actress, the talented Shauna Macdonald, received the prestigious BAFTA Scotland Best Actress award for her outstanding performance in the film. Her portrayal of the character was widely praised by critics and audiences alike, earning her this well-deserved recognition.
Following its successful festival run, "White Chamber" was made available to stream on Netflix in various countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand. The film's availability on this popular streaming platform allowed a wider audience to experience its gripping storyline and impressive visuals. The film was available to stream from August 2019 to February 2021, giving viewers ample opportunity to catch this thrilling sci-fi thriller/horror/drama.
Paul embarked on an innovative journey in 2019, delving into the realm of interactive films. His third directorial venture, "The Complex", a groundbreaking sci-fi feature film and FMV video game, made its debut in 2020 on all major gaming platforms, captivating audiences worldwide.
"The Complex", a masterfully crafted tale penned by the talented Lynn Renee Maxcy, features an all-star cast including Michelle Mylett, Kate Dickie, and Al Weaver. The project was expertly produced by the accomplished team of John Giwa-Amu and Jade Alexander, who brought the intricate narrative to life with precision and flair.
As the director of "The Complex", Paul showcased his remarkable ability to blend storytelling and interactivity, pushing the boundaries of the medium and redefining the possibilities of immersive entertainment. With this ambitious project, Paul solidified his position as a visionary filmmaker, and "The Complex" emerged as a testament to his innovative spirit and artistic prowess.
Paul's most recent creative endeavour was the 2020 production of "Five Dates", a romantic-comedy film that also doubled as an interactive feature film and FMV video game. This ambitious project was made possible despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, as it was entirely produced remotely during the UK's national lockdown.
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring the talents of Mandip Gill, Georgia Hirst, and Marisa Abela. This talented group of actors brought the story to life, delivering memorable performances that helped to make "Five Dates" a standout production.
The film's success was recognized with a prestigious BAFTA Cymru nomination in the Feature Film category, a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire production team.
Paul's creative endeavors in 2021 culminated in the conception and direction of "The Gallery", a groundbreaking hostage-thriller interactive feature film and FMV video game that boasts a dual narrative structure. This innovative cinematic experience presents the viewer with a choice between two distinct storylines, each centered around a protagonist. In one narrative, set against the backdrop of 1981 London, the female protagonist takes center stage, while the other, set in modern-day 2021 London, features a male protagonist. The film boasts an impressive cast, with Anna Popplewell and George Blagden delivering standout performances as both protagonists and antagonists across the two narratives. After its initial release in 2022 across all major gaming platforms, "The Gallery" received critical acclaim, earning an Official Selection status at the prestigious Dinard Film Festival. The film was showcased as a unique interactive cinema experience, further solidifying its status as a pioneering work in the world of interactive storytelling.
Paul, a prolific creative force, embarked on an ambitious endeavor in 2022, penning and directing the sequel to his earlier work, "Ten Dates", a romantic-comedy that seamlessly blends the worlds of film and video games. This interactive feature film, also known as a Full Motion Video (FMV) game, boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring the talents of Rosie Day, Sagar Radia, and Meaghan Martin. The highly anticipated release of "Ten Dates" took place on Valentine's Day 2023, making it accessible to a wide audience across all major gaming platforms.
