Directed by Paul James | Written by Meghan Best
Runtime: 14 minutes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5/5)
By Valerie Milano
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 7/2/25 – In the crowded world of short films, WHAT FREEDOM stands out—not just for its gripping story or standout performances, but for its rare combination of urgency, restraint, and emotional clarity. At just 14 minutes, the film manages to offer a layered exploration of what it means to be young, Black, and caught in the machinery of the juvenile justice and foster care systems.
Paul James, making his directorial debut after a successful acting career, brings an actor’s empathy and a naturalistic sensibility to the screen. In a recent interview with us, The Hollywood Times, James reflected on how his background helped guide first-time and non-professional actors:
“They always say casting is the most important part of a good performance, and that’s true. From the first time I saw our lead, Arthur McAlpine III’s tape, I knew I wanted him. He had such a natural quality—no big ‘acting’ moments, just authenticity.”
Click below for our exclusive interview:
That authenticity radiates in McAlpine’s performance as Kadeem, a teenage boy whose world momentarily shifts when a sudden power outage unlocks the doors of his juvenile detention center. What might seem like a straightforward escape plot becomes a haunting meditation on the limits of choice and the elusive nature of freedom when institutional systems shape every corner of your reality.
James’s direction is confident and emotionally grounded. He uses light, shadow, and stillness with purpose, particularly in the film’s quietest moments, which speak volumes. Much of the supporting cast are students from Jon Bernthal’s youth theater program in South Los Angeles, and their presence adds an invaluable sense of realism. James credits them with energizing the environment on set:
“A few nights before shooting, I gave each young actor a brief bio and even listed ‘allies’ and ‘adversaries’ for their characters so they’d stay activated in every scene. They ran with it… I do regret not featuring them more.”
Meghan Best’s screenplay—deliberate, minimal, and profoundly human—serves as the backbone of the film’s emotional and social resonance. Best, a former attorney who helped pass California’s SB 439 (barring the arrest of children under 12), brings real-world insight to the narrative. As James noted:
“Meghan’s experience informed the script itself… Having a writer who’s been in those environments gave the story real grounding.”
Visually, the film evokes a mood of tension and stillness, underscoring the uncertainty of Kadeem’s moment of potential freedom. But it never drifts into melodrama. Instead, it lets silence and breath speak where words would falter. That restraint, paired with the realism of the performances, makes the film as emotionally impactful as it is thought-provoking.
Despite its short runtime, WHAT FREEDOM feels complete. Yet when asked whether the story could expand, James admitted there’s more to tell:
“We told a complete story in 14 minutes, but there’s more to explore. If Meghan wants to keep writing it, I’m game.”
The film was produced by Jessica Kelly, Joseph Restaino, Findley Davidson, and Tony Stopperan, with Ashley Park (Emily in Paris) and Bashir Salahuddin also serving as executive producers and appearing in the film. Park, who worked in a juvenile detention center while studying musical theater, lends both personal and professional authenticity to the story.
In its final moments, WHAT FREEDOM leaves us with a sense of ambiguity—there are no clear victories, only a painful truth: that systems of control often persist beyond their physical barriers. The escape is real, but the weight Kadeem carries doesn’t vanish with a key turn.
As James reflected in the closing moments of his interview:
“Art’s power is showing you you’re not alone. If you grow up with few options, it helps to see that story told. It’s about empathy—stepping into another’s shoes. We all need that now more than ever.”
Final Verdict
WHAT FREEDOM is a stunning debut and a powerful entry into the conversation about youth incarceration, identity, and the limits of justice. With quietly masterful direction, a standout lead performance, and lived-in authenticity from the entire team, this short film makes a lasting impact—and leaves audiences both moved and unsettled.
Follow the film’s journey on Instagram: @WhatFreedomFilm | @PaulJames.s6
