Shayla Racquel

Shayla Racquel is the quintessential creative, born and raised in the South but currently living in the city. She believes she gained her creative and entrepreneurial spirit from her grandparents Joseph & Evelyn Thompson, both owning thriving Black businesses in Columbia, South Carolina. Diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease at birth and having a stroke at the young age of 12, her childhood battle with the disease is what brought her closer to the art of storytelling and the love of filmmaking. Shayla Racquel is the creator of the award-winning web series Quarter Century, a narrative series following a group of post-grads who are trying to figure out what it means to be grown. The series has two seasons under its belt - the first set in the eclectic city of Washington, DC and the second taking place in the heart of New York. In 2015, Shayla Racquel wrote, directed, and edited a short film titled Life's Checklist. The short film was an official selection in nine film festivals and has won four awards, including Best Student Short Film. In 2018, she completed her thesis film Riverment, which tackles the differences between black power movements while also highlighting generational trauma. With a passion for writing and directing, you will see more projects from Shayla in the future. Shayla Racquel bleeds Orange and Green, holding a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from the illustrious Florida A&M University. After completing her thesis film Riverment, she graduated in May of 2018 from American University, receiving her Master of Fine Arts in Film & Electronic Media. Her felicific smile and appreciation for life brightens the room - you will know Shayla Racquel when she greets you with, 'Smiles are contagious so get sick!'