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Topic’s streaming service brings you exclusive TV and films from around the globe. Try it free. Cancel anytime.Learn More

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Topic Studios produces award-winning film, TV & podcasts, supporting creators at the forefront of culture.Learn More

Topic is a First Look Media company

One Story Up

United StatesLGBTQTV-141 Season

Oscar-winning director Roger Ross Williams hosts this illuminating series showcasing short films from some of the most talented emerging directors and underrepresented voices in film today.

... 
12 Episodes
“Cherish" by Terrance Daye
S1 | E1
•
22 Mins
A visually poetic portrait of a young Black boy in the South who navigates the mundane and discovers the miraculous. Followed by a Q&A with director Terrance Daye, who drew inspiration from growing up Black and queer in a religious home in the South.
"Mizuko" by Kira Dane and Katelyn Rebelo
S1 | E2
•
29 Mins
How do you grieve for an unborn child? This tenderly animated short film explores the beautiful Japanese Buddhist ritual for grieving an abortion through one woman’s story. Followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers.
"Summer Animals" by Haley Elizabeth Anderson
S1 | E3
•
33 Mins
A coming-of-age story about class, race, and jumping into other people's pools. Teenager Tommy’s family can barely keep their heads above water, so why not jump into someone else’s? Followed by a Q&A with emerging filmmaker Haley Anderson.
"Fair Grounds" by Ameer Kazmi
S1 | E4
•
29 Mins
Shot on Hi8 tape, this poetic film explores a father’s influence on masculinity, self-acceptance, and lost innocence using urban imagery and experimental visual and audio layering. Followed by a Q&A with emerging filmmaker Ameer Kazmi.
"Edge of Red" by Callie Lyons
S1 | E5
•
34 Mins
Intertwining traditional Black folk songs and modern dance, this nonlinear film looks at growing up in the South and reconnecting with the land of one’s childhood and ancestors. Followed by a Q&A with emerging filmmaker Callie Lyons.
"A Craftsman" by Sanford Jenkins
S1 | E6
•
35 Mins
In this quiet and tender film about grief, Herman decides to join his wife after losing her. Through the act of crafting his own coffin, he ends up building a stronger connection to life. Followed by a Q&A with emerging filmmaker Sanford Jenkins.
"Wifi Rider" by Roxy Rezvany
S1 | E7
•
39 Mins
A viral Instagram account, a bold fashion line. One young Palestinian man shows the Arab diaspora they don’t have to tap into the Western zeitgeist—they can create their own. Followed by a Q&A with Iranian-Malaysian-Chinese filmmaker Roxy Rezvany.
"Aurora" by Everlane Moraes
S1 | E8
•
37 Mins
Shot in stunning black and white, the film wordlessly weaves together striking portraits of three Cuban women of different generations who explore their bodies, beauty, strength, and pain. Followed by a Q&A with emerging filmmaker Everlane Moraes.
"Home" by Adewale Olukayode
S1 | E9
•
34 Mins
Two immigrant brothers from Nigeria are pitted against each other when one pursues the American Dream and the other gets fed up by the cycle of oppression that defines it. Followed by a Q&A with emerging Nigerian filmmaker Adewale Olukayode.
"Mthunzi" by Tebogo Malebogo
S1 | E10
•
35 Mins
An amplification of racial division through one man’s act of kindness, Mthunzi follows a young Black man who stops to help a stranger and ends up in a life-or-death situation. Followed by a Q&A with emerging South African filmmaker Tebogo Malebogo.
"Three Centimetres" by Lara Zeidan
S1 | E11
•
29 Mins
After a recent breakup, Joanna reluctantly goes on a Ferris wheel ride with her three friends, who try to offer her advice and end up exposing shocking secrets about all four of them. Followed by a Q&A with emerging Lebanese filmmaker Lara Zeidan.
"Mr. Parker" by Alex Ashe
S1 | E12
•
32 Mins
An emotionally stirring look at the last day in the life of a down-and-out soul singer, starring soul legend Lee Fields and Janet Mock. Followed by a Q&A with emerging Brooklyn-raised filmmaker Alex Ashe.

Credits

Cast

Roger Ross Williams

Director

Roger Ross Williams

Producer

Aisha Jama

Executive Producers

Geoff Martz, Roger Ross Williams, Gena Konstantinakos, Ryan Chanatry

Cinematographer

Reggie Chelsom

Editors

Laura Karpas, Cooper Conley-Currier

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