As Father’s Day approaches, Black Public Media is inviting audiences to reflect on healing, fatherhood and self-care through the premiere of the Doron JéPaul R.E.S.T. film.
The short film debuted June 15 on Black Public Media’s YouTube channel as part of the AfroPoP Digital Shorts series. The project serves as a heartfelt tribute to fathers while encouraging Black men to embrace rest as a necessary part of emotionald mental well-being.
According to the filmmaker, the message is simple but powerful: rest is not a luxury. Instead, it is a tool for renewal, release and survival.
Doron JéPaul turns personal family experiences into a powerful film
The Doron JéPaul R.E.S.T. film grew from a deeply personal journey. JéPaul originally planned to create four separate short films centered on the words Release, Expect, Surrender and Trust.
However, his father’s mental health crisis in 2022 changed the direction of the project.
As he reviewed years of journal entries and footage, JéPaul realized the four concepts belonged together in one larger story. The result became R.E.S.T., a film that explores family, healing and the emotional burdens many Black men carry throughout their lives.
The project also serves as a love letter to JéPaul’s father and to fathers everywhere seeking moments of peace and restoration.
Original song anchors the film’s message
At the heart of the Doron JéPaul R.E.S.T. film is the original song “Why Not,” written and performed by JéPaul.
The song was inspired by the 2016 killing of Philando Castile, which JéPaul witnessed through a Facebook Live video. The tragic event led him to consider the pressures, grief and responsibilities that often weigh heavily on Black men.
From that reflection came a central question that drives the film: “Why don’t Black men rest?”
The song offers a hopeful response with a simple challenge: “Why Not Today?”
Broadway veteran expands into filmmaking
JéPaul is best known for his work on Broadway productions including “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “The Piano Lesson” and “Our Town.”
Beyond acting, he works as a writer, director, producer and creative consultant. Through his production company, Thermostat Media, he develops projects that focus on community impact, personal growth and meaningful storytelling.
An alumnus of New York University’s Graduate Acting Program, JéPaul previously pursued careers in education and mathematics before committing fully to the arts.
With R.E.S.T., he adds filmmaker to his growing list of creative accomplishments.
Black Public Media continues supporting Black storytellers
The release of the Doron JéPaul R.E.S.T. film arrives during a challenging period for Black Public Media.
In 2025, Congress approved a rescission measure that eliminated federal support for public media organizations and removed $1.8 million from BPM’s budget.
In response, the nonprofit launched the Black Stories Production Fund. The initiative aims to raise $9 million over the next two years to support the creation and distribution of Black stories without political interference or chronic underfunding.
BPM leaders say projects like R.E.S.T. demonstrate why continued investment in independent Black storytelling remains important.
“R.E.S.T. is a tender and loving invitation from a son to his father to pause, heal and reclaim rest as a revolutionary act,” said Denise A. Greene, BPM’s director of programs and curator of AfroPoP Digital Shorts.
A timely Father’s Day message
The Doron JéPaul R.E.S.T. film offers more than a personal story. It encourages viewers to rethink ideas about strength, masculinity and self-care.
As conversations around mental health continue to grow, the film delivers a timely reminder that healing often begins with slowing down.
For Black fathers, sons and families, R.E.S.T. presents an opportunity to reflect, reconnect and embrace the restorative power of rest.
The film is now available to stream through Black Public Media’s YouTube channel as part of the AfroPoP Digital Shorts series.
Source: Black Public Media
About the Author
