Paulina Lule Turns Personal Loss Into Powerful Milwaukee Storytelling with Sherman Park
- TYREE POPE III
- Apr 20
- 2 min read
At the Milwaukee Film Festival, director Paulina Lule presents a film that is as personal as it is political.
Sherman Park is not just a short film.
It is the beginning of something much larger.
A Story Rooted in Personal Experience
The inspiration for the film comes from Lule’s late brother, Christopher Bugembe.
After his release from prison in 2016, Lule found themself thinking deeply about how people returning from incarceration are treated.
That reflection became the foundation for a feature-length script exploring reentry, stigma, and survival.
The short film serves as a proof of concept, introducing the world and tone of that larger story.
Horror as Allegory
Rather than telling the story directly, Lule chose to approach it through a zombie allegory.
The concept draws a parallel between how society views returning citizens and how it treats the “other” in horror films.
It is a creative decision that allows the film to explore difficult themes in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
Why Milwaukee Matters
One of the most important aspects of the project is its setting.
Although Lule initially developed the script while living in Los Angeles, they refused to relocate the story.
Industry voices suggested moving the setting to cities like New York or Atlanta.
They said no.
For Lule, Milwaukee is essential to the story.
The city’s geography, demographics, and history all play a role in shaping the narrative.
From Sherman Park to Mayfair Mall, the locations are not just backdrops.
They are part of the story’s identity.
Representation and Reality
Lule also addresses a broader issue in media.
Milwaukee is often portrayed through a limited lens, rarely reflecting the full reality of its communities.
With Sherman Park, They aims to present a more accurate and authentic depiction.
One that reflects the people who actually live there.
Building Toward a Feature Film
While the short film is an achievement on its own, it is only the beginning.
Lule is actively working toward turning the project into a feature-length film.
Their strategy includes building audience support, securing festival recognition, and attracting investors.
From community table reads to festival screenings, each step is part of a larger plan.
The Cream City Perspective
When asked about the “Cream City grind,” Lule offers a perspective shaped by experience in both Milwaukee and Los Angeles.
The grind, They explains, is universal.
What makes Milwaukee unique is the talent, grit, and underdog spirit of its creatives.
In a city often overlooked by the industry, artists are forced to create opportunities for themselves.
That challenge becomes a strength.
A City Ready for More
With growing interest in film incentives and local production, Lule believes Milwaukee is on the verge of something bigger.
The city has the talent.
The stories.
And the visual landscape to support major film projects.
It just needs the opportunity.
A Beginning, Not an End
For Lule, Sherman Park is not the final product.
It is the opening scene.
The first step in a much larger journey.
And if that journey continues as planned, the next chapter will bring a full feature film to Milwaukee.
A film that tells its story.
On its own terms.
Comments