As the lights dim at the historic Uptown Theater in Grand Prairie this coming Saturday, eighth-grader Reece Turley will step into the spotlight as part of the Dallas-Fort Worth premiere of the faith-based film, “Learning You.”
Presented by the Grand Prairie Arts Council, the 7 p.m. screening will bring the award-nominated film to North Texas following its theatrical release in January. “Learning You” has been named an Official Finalist for Best Actor and Best Director at the International Christian Visual Media.
Turley – an eighth-grader at Williams Middle School – portrays Young Elijah in the film, which centers on Ty Smith, an architect who takes an impromptu Christmas road trip with his autistic son. After a difficult holiday season and years removed from the end of his marriage, Ty faces a decision: relinquish custody of his son or work toward rebuilding their relationship. Along the way, he receives guidance from an imaginary, life-sized version of Elijah’s stuffed bear, Nook. The journey also intersects with a billionaire developer raising an autistic son of his own.
The film addresses themes of autism awareness, family love, faith and caregiving. All filmmaker proceeds benefit ACT, an organization that supports families of children with special needs.
For Rockwall residents, Turley’s growing résumé offers a reminder that young talent from the area has reached national – even international – stages before, most recently with Rockwall native Jaxon Smith-Njigba helping lead the Seattle Seahawks on football’s biggest stage.
Turley’s stage is certainly different but the trajectory – a local student pursuing his craft with an eye on larger platforms – carries a similar sense of possibility. While athletics and acting require different skills, both demand discipline, preparation and the willingness to perform under pressure.
For a middle school student balancing scripts with schoolwork, the long-term goal is simply continued growth in the industry, one project at a time.
“Learning You” premiered in November in Corydon, Indiana, near Louisville, Kentucky, where it was filmed. It is currently showing in select theaters, including Mineola and Caddo, Oklahoma, with the possibility of additional DFW-area screenings depending on audience response.
In addition to his role in “Learning You,” Turley recently filmed a comedy for Apple TV+ that’s set for release later this year. Details about that project remain limited due to a nondisclosure agreement but it marks his largest screen role to date.
Turley began acting three years ago – landing his first major role on stage as Aladdin at the Rockwall Community Playhouse. In 2023, the Rockwall County Herald-Banner profiled his early stage work, and he has continued to build his résumé in theater, film and television.
Outside of acting, Turley participates in his school’s gifted SAGE program, competes on the A Team in gymnastics and performs in the Chamber Orchestra. He earned second chair in the all-region orchestra and also plays with the adult orchestra at First Baptist Church Rockwall. He sings and plays electric guitar as well.
Next Saturday’s Grand Prairie premiere offers local audiences a chance to view the film in North Texas and meet one of its young cast members – a Rockwall student whose ambitions – like others before him – extend beyond city limits.
Tickets for the D/FW premiere at Uptown Theater are available online at https://tinyurl.com/mrypfnmc.