Light Up

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1:23

Light Up

2024

1h 31m

Documentary

LGBTQ+

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

11 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Light Up is a film that tells the stories of same gender loving men and a transgender woman who found their superpower by living in their truth.

André Hereford

Metro Weekly (Washington, DC)

Jan 4, 2026

2/5

Propelled by the subjects’ candor, and their insights, 'Light Up' offers a thoughtful, lived-in, multi-faceted view of being Black and LGBTQ in America and in the relative queer mecca of Atlanta.

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Alton Williams

Battle Royale With Cheese

Oct 28, 2025

Light Up is a film that deserves to be seen—at festivals, on streaming, wherever it can find you. And when it does, let it. Let it light you up too.

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Dallas King

Flick Feast

Oct 6, 2025

2/5

One understands the desire to showcase this strong, supportive, and broad community. However, by constantly cutting between them, it loses focus, and subsequently lessens some of the impact.

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Pramit Chatterjee

Film Fugitives

Sep 26, 2025

3/5

entertainment hasn’t become woke enough, and we need more movies like Light Up.

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Victoria Luxford

DMovies

Aug 27, 2025

4/5

Living up to its title, Light Up comes at a crucial time in the United States, where LGBTQ+ rights seem to be under attach daily. With this in mind, these five stories remind both Queer audience members and allies just what they are fighting for.

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Emilie Black

Cinema Crazed

Aug 22, 2025

... a documentary that will connect deeply with some...

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Michael A. S

@RT19759871 Mar 18, 2026

Great doc; interesting view of a largely unseen community. If you saw and loved Moonlight, you should check it out.

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M G

@Baddy Jan 31, 2026

Light Up really hit home for me—watching these Black same-gender-loving men and a transgender woman own their truth felt so raw and real. The intimate interviews had me tearing up more than once; their courage and joy are incredibly moving. I left the film feeling genuinely inspired to keep showing up as my authentic self, no matter what. If you’re looking for something that lifts your spirit and reminds you of the power in living openly, this one’s special—highly recommend it from the heart.

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Michael E

@RT30563666 Jan 26, 2026

Living out your truth... this documentary shows real life people living out their truth, and becoming the person they would like to be while overcoming the noise of others opinions. Showing strength with determination to be themselves without regrets losing the person they wish to be,and the worlds version of them that they have chosen for them. Congratulations to the director and all cast nembers who have stood up for they beliefs!

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Klydette L.

@klowery Jan 25, 2026

Light Up is a film that touched my soul as it shed light on the lives and stories of some of those in the LBGT community. It brings to the light some of the struggles and triumphs encountered. I am most excited that this film will uplift, inspire and provide hope to others to live their truth and to not let their light be diminished or dimmed by others. The participant told their stories in a way that was real, honest and heartfelt. Loved it!

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Frazette G

@fgordon Jan 25, 2026

Light Up is powerful and inspirational. It helped me better understand the lived experiences and challenges of the LGBTQ+ community in a way that felt honest and heartfelt.

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Cameren L

@CamLo Jan 25, 2026

Light up is an inspiring film about courage, self expression, and staying true to who you are even when others don’t understand. When you embrace who you are, you no longer feel pressure to hide or change yourself to fit others expectations. Great film

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Ryan Ashley Lowery

Director

Ryan Ashley Lowery

Self

Benjamin Carlton

Self

Derek Johnson

Self

Obio Jones

Self

Octavius Terry

Self

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Light Up: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Light Up is a film that tells the stories of same gender loving men and a transgender woman who found their superpower by living in their truth.

Director: Ryan Ashley Lowery
Producer: Ryan Ashley Lowery, Kenisha Johnson
Screenwriter: Ryan Ashley Lowery
Distributor: Filmhub
Production Co: Ryan Ashley Productions
Genre: Documentary, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 16, 2025
Runtime: 1h 31m

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