2026 Denton Black Film Festival

New Voices Rising: A Game Of Chess, Find Me in the Void, Elevator Romance, I Think You're Gonna Wanna See This, Shayla, SPILLED COFFEE, Take 290, and Threats

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Congratulations 2026 DBFF Best Texas High School Short Winner: "A Game of Chess" By Trentin Youngblood Harris and Mason Triche; 2026 DBFF Best Texas High School Short Runner Up: "Spilled Coffee" by Jireh White

Sixteen-year-old Shayla Cambray endures relentless bullying at school, quietly absorbing the cruelty of her tormentors while authority figures dismiss her pain. At home, her grandfather Papa offers guidance—and a cherished family charm—urging her to channel her emotions rather than let them silence her. When a humiliating confrontation pushes Shayla to her breaking point, she finally speaks her name with force and conviction, triggering surreal moments that reflect her reclaimed power. As the tables turn and her bullies are held accountable, Shayla’s confidence blossoms. By day’s end, she walks home and into herself with pride, joyfully affirming her identity and voice—on her own terms.

  • Year
    2025
  • Runtime
    0:15:05
  • Language
    English
  • Country
    United States
  • Premiere
    North Texas
  • Genre
    Coming-of-age, Drama, Fantasy, Magical Realism, Teen Drama
  • Note
    Website: https://www.radiotribe.com/index.php/projects/shayla
  • Social Media
  • Director
    Matthew Shawn Miller
  • Screenwriter
    Matthew Shawn Miller
  • Producer
    Renee Ragaza-Miller, Adam Dow, Anthony Tackett
  • Cast
    Keira Davies, Willa Scout, Izumi Huff, Lucy McCurdy-Moss, Jennifer DuHamel, Marvin Gray, Ronald Hippe
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