Indie travel movie “Last Stop for Paul”

One movie that has circled the world during filming, but can’t seem to arrive at a theater near me: “Last Stop for Paul.”

I have yet to see it, but it has the elements of my dream trip: two friends traveling through 20 countries on a mission of sorts. It’s also a film with simple beginnings—$50,000, one camera, a vague general outline, and no additional cast. Extras were picked at random from strangers on location, and lines were improvised on the spot. What started as footage for a tv series, and then webisodes, evolved into an indie movie that has won 45 international festival awards.

Director/Producer/Writer Neil Mandt talked about his inspiration for the film in Budget Travel recently:

“Last Stop for Paul is almost entirely based on real events. I’d say about 90 percent of the movie actually happened to me at one time or another. I’m someone who loves to travel and meet new people. As a result of this openness, I’ve often found myself having experiences ranging from the strange to the insane.”

Even though I might’ve missed my chance to see it in theaters, it’s currently showing in Los Angeles for the next two weeks. And it’ll have a run at the International Film Festival England in Tamworth in June. I’ve also heard that it might show in the next few months in Detroit, New York City, and Dublin.

I’m holding off on my ratings until I see it, but my interest is piqued—by the potential in its storyline, cinematography, and heart.