Light Up (film)
| Light Up | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical Poster | |
| Directed by | Ryan Ashley Lowery |
| Produced by | Ryan Ashley Lowery Kenisha Johnson |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Nathan Walters Ben Walters |
| Edited by | Clinton Cornwell |
| Music by | Mark Peter Royce |
Release date |
|
Running time | 91 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Light Up is a 2024 American documentary film directed by Ryan Ashley Lowery. The film centers on the lives of five African American LGBTQ+ individuals in Atlanta, showing how resilience, self-discovery, and community become anchors of strength.[1][2][3] Light Up had its world premiere at Bronzelens Film Festival in 2024 and has been screened at multiple other film festivals across the United States.[4][5]
Synopsis
Through interviews, Light Up explores how each individual has navigated identity, visibility, and acceptance across both personal and professional spaces. Each story is rooted in vulnerability, resilience, and triumph, underscoring the broader theme of empowerment through authenticity.
Cast
- Derek Jae
- Simone Tisci
- Octavius Terry
- Obio Jones
- Benjamin Carlton
Critical reception
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 91% based on 11 reviews, with an average rating of 6/10.[6]
André Hereford of Metro Weekly wrote that the film "offers a thoughtful, lived-in, multi-faceted view of being Black and LGBTQ in America and in the relative queer mecca of Atlanta."[7]
References
- ↑ "Light Up: Review by Bradley Gibson". August 28, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2026.
- ↑ "Light Up: Review by Victoria Luxford". August 24, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2026.
- ↑ "Light Up Documentary Shines Brightly on Black Queer Experience by J Paul Johnson". August 19, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2026.
- ↑ "'Light Up' Review: This Documentary Film Shines Bright with Truth, Power and Pride by Romey Norton". October 31, 2025. Retrieved May 24, 2026.
- ↑ "Lighting the Way: Ryan Ashley Lowery on 'Light Up'". October 7, 2025. Retrieved May 24, 2026.
- ↑ "Light Up" – via www.rottentomatoes.com.
- ↑ "Light Up's Voices Are Powerful. Its Format Is Not by André Hereford". Retrieved May 24, 2026.