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SLAM follows six world-class slam poets from Baltimore, MD as they try out, train, and compete at Southern Fried, the largest national slam poetry competition in the country. What starts as a series of auditions quickly becomes something far more personal: a fight for identity, belonging, and the soul of a city.
At the center of it all is Black Chakra, a poet whose raw, unapologetic talent is matched only by the weight of his personality. His journey gives the film its heartbeat and raises the question of whether greatness forged in struggle is enough when the lights are brightest and the stakes are highest.
Alongside veterans Slangston Hughes and Lady Brion, the team must write, practice, and learn to trust one another under pressure, building a collective voice out of very different lives. For some, this is a chance to defend Baltimore's honor. For others, it's about proving they belong on the biggest stage in slam poetry.
As Southern Fried approaches, one thing becomes clear: the team isn't just competing for a title. They're competing for something that can't be handed back once it's lost…their place in the world.
Director Biography - David Larson, Julia Reihs
David is a disciplined photographer and intuitive director whose work uses the camera as a canvas for the human experience. He balances strong technical craft with a deep understanding of emotional storytelling and creating films that forge personal, meaningful connections with audiences.
On set, David follows his instincts, working closely with subjects to uncover the purpose and emotion at the heart of every story. He treats his crew like family, believing that the best work is always born through collaboration.
His documentary films make up The Invisible Thread series, four films that explore the unseen forces connecting us to one another. The series includes Throw, R.A.W. Tuba, Hakki Rising, and his newest film, SLAM.
David's work has earned recognition across the industry, including Emmy Awards, American Advertising Awards, and numerous film festival honors. Throw received a Vimeo Staff Pick and took home the Festival Directors Award at Mountainfilm in Telluride, among other prestigious festival accolades. R.A.W. Tuba earned multiple festival awards and was featured on the Discovery Channel.
- Year2026
- Runtime33:11
- LanguageEnglish
- CountryUnited States
- DirectorDavid Larson, Julia Reihs
- ProducerDavid Larson
SLAM follows six world-class slam poets from Baltimore, MD as they try out, train, and compete at Southern Fried, the largest national slam poetry competition in the country. What starts as a series of auditions quickly becomes something far more personal: a fight for identity, belonging, and the soul of a city.
At the center of it all is Black Chakra, a poet whose raw, unapologetic talent is matched only by the weight of his personality. His journey gives the film its heartbeat and raises the question of whether greatness forged in struggle is enough when the lights are brightest and the stakes are highest.
Alongside veterans Slangston Hughes and Lady Brion, the team must write, practice, and learn to trust one another under pressure, building a collective voice out of very different lives. For some, this is a chance to defend Baltimore's honor. For others, it's about proving they belong on the biggest stage in slam poetry.
As Southern Fried approaches, one thing becomes clear: the team isn't just competing for a title. They're competing for something that can't be handed back once it's lost…their place in the world.
Director Biography - David Larson, Julia Reihs
David is a disciplined photographer and intuitive director whose work uses the camera as a canvas for the human experience. He balances strong technical craft with a deep understanding of emotional storytelling and creating films that forge personal, meaningful connections with audiences.
On set, David follows his instincts, working closely with subjects to uncover the purpose and emotion at the heart of every story. He treats his crew like family, believing that the best work is always born through collaboration.
His documentary films make up The Invisible Thread series, four films that explore the unseen forces connecting us to one another. The series includes Throw, R.A.W. Tuba, Hakki Rising, and his newest film, SLAM.
David's work has earned recognition across the industry, including Emmy Awards, American Advertising Awards, and numerous film festival honors. Throw received a Vimeo Staff Pick and took home the Festival Directors Award at Mountainfilm in Telluride, among other prestigious festival accolades. R.A.W. Tuba earned multiple festival awards and was featured on the Discovery Channel.
- Year2026
- Runtime33:11
- LanguageEnglish
- CountryUnited States
- DirectorDavid Larson, Julia Reihs
- ProducerDavid Larson