The Road Up

A film by Greg Jacobs & Jon Siskel

The Road Up follows four participants in Cara, a Chicago-based job-training program, as they search for stable employment and a pathway out of poverty. Throughout, they are guided, goaded, and challenged by their impassioned mentor, Mr. Jesse, whose own complicated past compels him to help others find hope in the face of addiction, homelessness, and the aftereffects of incarceration. Taken together, their stories create a powerful mosaic of the struggles that millions of Americans face every day, the daunting and often interconnected barriers that prevent so many from getting—and keeping—a job. 

“The Road Up is a truly amazing documentary that manages to inspire without glossing over the harsh realities of life…Perfectly paced editing, beautiful cinematography. 5 stars (out of five)” – Christopher Lewis, MXDWN

“A tightly constructed and essential piece of viewing…The Road Up is an inspiration.” –  Steve Prokopy, Third Coast Review

“One of the best documentaries of 2020…Inspiring, heart-breaking, and triumphant…I was floored.” – Kevin Wozniak, kevflix.com

“A stirring Chicago documentary” – Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune

“Timeless…The Road Up wound up blindsiding me…Jesse Teverbaugh will easily be one of the most memorable human beings that I’ll encounter all year in my film viewing. 4 stars (out of 4)” – David J. Fowlie, Keeping It Reel

“The Road Up breathes new life into what it takes to overcome deep-seated challenges largely because Teverbaugh is so good at his job. But so are these filmmakers. The care Teverbaugh brings to his work, and they to theirs, comes through in every frame.” – Erin Trahan, WBUR-Boston

“An astounding film on the vital nature of organizations that foster community, connection and self-growth, The Road Up will awe-inspire you.” – Documentary Drive

“A masterfully produced documentary” – Don Schwartz, From the Heart Productions

“The Road Up is an uplifting journey of second opportunities and reaping the rewards of self-reflection and perseverance.” – MovieBabble

“This film will nourish the glimmer of hope in all who watch it, hope for Mr. Jesse and his students but also the little glimmers we sometimes overlook in ourselves.” – Nell Minow, RogerEbert.com