Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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‘One Step Away’ chronicles the incredible journey of SCAD alum Sabrina Spanta (B.F.A., fashion, 2016) and how she worked with SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace to coordinate her sisters' escape from the Taliban in Afghanistan. The film highlights the transformative power of art through Sabrina’s story and the immeasurable hope for a future where women are safe from persecution. Since its premiere in 2024, ‘One Step Away’ has screened at film festivals across the globe and has earned honors from the Vega Digital Awards, NYX Awards, Anthem Awards, and Muse Awards, among others.

Director: Leslie Merlin (B.F.A., video/film, 2005)
Executive Producer: Paula Wallace
Producers: Leslie Merlin, Eric Breen (B.F.A., video/film, 1997), Dane Reiley, Keri Brooks (M.A., fashion, 2025)
Writers: Leslie Merlin, Keri Brooks

Featured music: “A Second Chance” by Max LL; “The Hard Truth,” “I Once Was,” “Better Together,” “The Decision,” “Wide-Eyed Wonder” by Dustin Lau; and “Rivers in the Desert” by Ellis Smith