How Friends by 6ixth Street Productions Proves Black Filmmakers Are Rewriting the Rules of Horror

Image Credit: Zariah Watson, Lifestyle Writer

In a dimly lit film studio in Houston, suspense seeped through the air like a thick blanket of smoke.

A production camera began to roll, its soft hum underscored by a red, translucent light that eerily reflected in the background. That moment set the stage for a once-comedic scene that suddenly turned unsettling.

This is Friends, the newest short horror film from 6ixth Street Productions, a rising Black-owned production company rewriting what fear looks like on screen.

Founded by filmmaker Jamaal Williams, 6ixth Street Productions was built on the idea of family, a network rooted in unity, loyalty and connection. 

For Williams, the company isn’t just a business; it’s an extension of his world. From close friends to relatives, everyone plays a part in shaping the stories he brings to life. 

Specializing in storytelling and preserving the art of film, Williams centers his craft in authenticity. His dialogue draws from lived experience, weaving realism into every frame. His work is rooted in honesty, striving to capture truth on screen rather than perform it. 

“My work is [...] unique in storytelling; I let my dialogue be genuine. I don't want to ever just do things,” Williams said. “Filming or TV shouldn't be like a perfect world, it should be a depiction of what we see and do every day.”

Image Credit: Zariah Watson, Lifestyle Writer

In the film, the real terror isn’t in what’s seen, it’s in what keeps returning. The story follows Darius, a man haunted by a day that feels impossibly familiar. As reality begins to shift, a case of déjà vu slowly unravels into something darker, testing the boundaries of friendship, fear and fate.

“I think it was the fifth project I wrote in this series, and the second one that I shot. It's my tribute to ‘Groundhog Day’ and anything that has that loop, with my spin on it,” Williams said. “I wanted a basis that everybody would be familiar with and what I created [...] is how I make it different and unique.”

Like many independent filmmakers, Williams understands that creating art rarely goes according to plan. Every set comes with its share of unpredictable moments that test patience and passion in equal measure. For him, Friends was no exception.

“It's definitely going to be challenges. I feel like that just comes with it, especially on the independent level. It was a two-hour delay because the camera malfunctioned. At that point, I was debating if I wanted to reschedule for the rest of the day or stick it out,” Williams explained. “It's a real marathon, so you have to mentally be locked in.”

Despite the time unexpected setbacks and only one day to shoot, the energy on set never faltered. The cast matched Williams’ focus, bringing intensity and emotion to every take despite the long hours and unexpected delay. 

For many of them, the project became more than just a film, it was a reflection of creative trust. 

As the film’s tension builds, Gregory Duroncelay III brought a steady, understated energy to his role as Darius. 

Image Credit: Zariah Watson, Lifestyle Writer

His performance captured the emotional weight of repetition and fear without overplaying it, grounding the story in realism even as chaos unfolded around him. 

Viewers called Duroncelay’s performance one of the film’s strongest elements, praising his emotional depth and ability to carry each scene.

“I was prepared. I had the script well in advance. I reread the script multiple times,” Duroncelay said. “I made sure I knew where I was coming from, when I was going to my objectives, my motives, all that. I was prepared.”

Cast and crew members described the movie set as a collaborative, family-like space where creativity and communication came naturally. Even during long nights and technical challenges, the team maintained steady focus, proof of how deeply they believed in the story they were telling.

“It felt like a family. It felt like I was okay to be vulnerable; I was okay to be open. I can give my input on certain things, and they will listen and say, You know what? Let's try it,” Duroncelay said. “I never felt like I was shut down.”

Beyond the set, Williams’ experience reflects a larger reality for many independent Black filmmakers across the country. For many Black-owned independent production companies, the biggest challenge isn’t just making the film, it’s sustaining the work once it’s made. 

Barriers in funding, distribution and industry recognition often force these creators to operate on tight budgets and limited visibility. Mainstream studios and distributors still control the largest networks of exposure, which can make partnerships appealing but also risky.

According to Consulting.us, Black professionals accounted for only 6% of directors, 6% of producers, and 4% of writers in U.S. films between 2015 and 2019, a statistic that highlights how much work remains to be done behind the scenes. Limited representation in decision-making roles means fewer opportunities to shape narratives, control creative direction or build lasting careers on their own terms.

For Williams, his focus is primarily on staying grounded in his work. Rather than chasing mainstream approval, he centers his craft on authenticity, telling stories that reflect his community and his experiences. It’s a philosophy rooted in purpose more than profit, one that allows him to keep creating without compromising his voice.

“I like exclusively writing content for Black women. I know it’s horror, so it doesn't seem like it, but I feel like if they're my core audience, I'll always be good because nobody supports you like Black women,” Williams said. “I don't really think about trying to make it. It's just about writing my voice.”

As the short film prepares to make its debut on Oct. 31 via YouTube his channel 6ixthSide, Williams is already thinking beyond the premiere. 

He’s currently workshopping his next project, set to begin filming in November and release by Christmas. 

“I just want to keep going,” Williams said. “After this next project, I’ll take a break, start back writing and get back to filming in January.”

With every project, 6ixth Street Productions grows beyond the bounds of an independent studio, shaping itself into a creative force driven by ownership, resilience and purpose. 

Friends may deliver chills and twists, but its true power lies in what it represents: Black creativity reclaiming its place in every corner of storytelling.