As part of South Bank Colleges’ Black History Month celebrations, students gathered in the Digital Spine for a special film screening and panel discussion with the creators of the award-winning short film One Brother. The film’s writer and lead actor Micah Abna was joined by director Oskar Nilsson and supporting actor Tyler Kinghorn for an inspiring conversation about creativity, collaboration, and the importance of authentic Black storytelling in today’s film landscape.
Micah opened the event by sharing how the story first came to life six years ago. What began as a personal writing project evolved into a heartfelt exploration of identity, brotherhood, and mental health. “I took elements from my own life,” he explained. “The film looks at how family and personal experience can shape your sense of self—and how we all deal with struggle in different ways.”
After years of development and a successful crowdfunding campaign, One Brother was finally brought to the screen in August 2024. The film has already earned recognition on the festival circuit, including Best Short Film at both the Breakthrough TV & Film Festival and Canon’s Short Film Festival, as well as Best Supporting Actor for Tyler Kinghorn. It has also found an audience online, gaining close to 40,000 views on YouTube since its release.
Director Oskar Nilsson reflected on the long journey from script to screen: “Micah first shared the story with me back in 2020. We talked about it, left it for a while, then came back to it when the timing felt right. When we started again in 2024, everything just fell into place. It was the right time to make it.”
Tyler Kinghorn spoke about the emotional depth of his role and how it challenged him as a performer. “This was a story that really mattered,” he said. “It wasn’t just about acting—it was about understanding what brotherhood means and how mental health affects the people around us.”
The trio discussed how One Brother is part of a new wave of independent films led by young Black creatives determined to tell stories that reflect their lived experiences. Micah spoke passionately about representation and authenticity: “We need to see ourselves on screen in ways that are truthful, not filtered. Real stories, told by us, can have such a powerful impact.”
The event closed with a lively Q&A session, where students asked about the creative process, funding challenges, and advice for aspiring filmmakers. The speakers encouraged students to start small, collaborate with others, and stay true to their voice. “The biggest thing,” said Micah, “is to keep creating. Even if it takes years—keep going. Your story matters.”
The One Brother panel was a highlight of this year’s Black History Month events at South Bank Colleges—celebrating creativity, resilience, and the strength of authentic storytelling.
You can watch the short film yourself online, here.
