“Paul & Trisha: The Art of Fluidity” focuses on Paul Whitehead, a painter, graphic designer, writer, and musician who worked as an art director for Time Out and John Lennon; founded the Eyes and Ears Foundation and its Artboard Festival, which allowed artists to showcase their work on billboards; and made album covers for music icons like Genesis, Credence Clearwater Revival, Van der Graaf Generator, and Peter Hammill.
Whitehead began exploring his gender identity through cross-dressing during the 1960s, leading to the emergence of the converged artist Trisha Van Cleef in 2004. The film delves into the brutal challenges and beautiful victories that Paul and Trisha have faced—together and individually—in the mercurial and competitive art world while unapologetically navigating the uncharted waters of gender identity and artistic expression, breaking down perilous stigmas along the way.
Arriving on VOD, streaming from Gravitas Ventures on July 9
Pre-orders are available now on iTunes/Apple TV.
This documentary is not what I was expecting. Unlike traditional documentaries that often have a narrator guiding the story, this film took a different route. It was told in the first person and unfolded through art and flashes of vivid images, making for a unique storytelling experience.
The photography in the documentary was beautiful, contributing to its fast-paced and striking presentation. The film didn’t waste time with unnecessary details; instead, it directly presented the relationship between the main characters, Paul and Trisha. Every scene was meticulously crafted to offer a visual feast, enhancing the narrative without the need for a traditional voiceover.
Paul and Trisha are very unusual characters, each with a distinct approach to their art and their philosophy about it. While both are artists, the documentary focuses more on their personalities and lives rather than their artistic creations. This shift in focus provides a deeper understanding of who they are as “individuals”.
The film successfully balances light moments with serious ones, making it a well-rounded portrayal. Some instances are heartwarming and humorous, juxtaposed with scenes that delve into deeper, more serious themes. This blend keeps the audience engaged and invested in the characters’ journeys.
Overall, this documentary offers a fresh and engaging perspective on the lives of Paul and Trisha. Its unconventional format and beautiful visuals make it a standout piece, worth watching for anyone interested in a different kind of storytelling.
“As a filmmaker and activist, my passion is spotlighting and elevating individuals like Paul and Trisha, who navigate their gender fluidity and duality with great freedom”, said Perera. “My mission with this film is to help inspire other people who, are struggling to be their true selves to take the leap!”
“Paul & Trisha: The Art of Fluidity” has held a successful festival run with screenings at Cinequest Film Festival, Santa Fe Film Festival Ojai Film Festival, and New Filmmakers LA Docuslate Festival.
Perera Pictures & Fisky Enterprises present “Paul & Trisha: The Art of Fluidity.” Featuring Paul Whitehead & Trisha Van Cleef, the film is written, directed, and produced by Fia Perera, with Adam Fisk serving as an executive producer, with cinematography and editing by William Gilmore.
Written & Directed by Fia Perera | Featuring: Paul Whitehead, Trisha Van Cleef
Produced by: Fia Perera
Executive Producer: Adam Fisk
Cinematography by: William Gilmore
Edited by: William Gilmore
Production Company: Perera Pictures & Fisky Enterprises
USA | 2024 | LGBT, Documentary | 75 minutes