Space Age Hair Fashions

Bald: The Making of 'THX 1138'

March 1971 •English

The film features a conversation between Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola, producer of THX 1138. They discuss Lucas' vision for the film, including his ideas about science fiction in general and in particular his concept of the "used future" which would famously feature in his film Star Wars. Intercut with this discussion is footage shot prior to the start of production of THX 1138 showing several of its actors having their heads shaved, a requirement for appearing in the film. In several cases the actors are shown being shaved in a public location. For example, Maggie McOmie is shaved outside the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, while Robert Duvall watches a sporting event as his hair is cut off. Another actor, Marshall Efron, who would later play an insane man in the film, cut off his own hair and was filmed doing so in a bathtub.

Brunes et Blondes

October 2010 •French

Actresses' hairstyle in movies always carries a strong aesthetic statement associated with erotic, social, and historical meanings. In a bold and unexpected way, the film revisits this ultimate symbol of femininity in international cinema.

Story of My Hair

January 2011 •English

The story of my hair can be told in two lines. My hair was long and black. It has turned white. It hasn't been cut since 1982, almost thirty years ago. Story of my Hair is a journey, both in space and in time. Anyone looking for truths, whether geographical, scientific or historical, will be disappointed. After looking at real events and real places the film very soon distances itself from them, preferring poetry and fiction. In his own fashion the auteur has combined the story of Samson and Delilah, the journey of those condemned to the death camps, the science of hair and a few thoughts about the meaning and fragility of life.

Kesh

Invalid date •English

A short documentary about one man’s sacrifice to survive in America.

Hair Piece: A Film for Nappy Headed People

January 1984 •English

An animated satire on the question of self-image for African American women living in a society where beautiful hair is viewed as hair that blows in the wind and lets you be free. Lively tunes and witty narration accompany a quick-paced inventory of relaxers, gels, and curlers. This short film has become essential for discussions of racism, African American cinema, and empowerment.

Black Crowns

October 2023 •Spanish

The hairstyles of four Afro-descendant people from Mexican - Senegalese families, represent the starting point to reflect, through memories that emerge from their past and present, what it is like to live in México wearing a Black Crown and the consequences that implies.

Three Salons at the Seaside

August 1994 •English

A film on the staff and customers of three Blackpool hair-dressing salons as they discuss the many facets of life. Stories of love, loss and gritty determination to carry on and make the best of things with a sense of humour abound.

No Lye: An American Beauty Story

November 2019 •English

A documentary that chronicles the rise and decline of the black-owned ethnic beauty industry in America.

Barbershops Uncut: East Coast

January 2004 •English

A raw and uncensored look at what really goes down in urban barbershops.

Tribal Strands

Invalid date •English

Tribal Strands is about two self-made Brooklyn hair artists, who create authentic hairstyles, leading the anti-hair discrimination movement. In addition, they inspire Black people to embrace their natural hair worldwide while exploring the intersections between modern and ancient African indigenous hairstyles.

Nancy's Workshop

August 2019 •English

Every month, natural hair specialist Nancy Falaise closes the doors of her Montreal salon to lead a private workshop for young girls of colour struggling to love their natural hair. Step-by-step, she teaches them how to care for their respective hair textures, while also creating a safe space for them to bond over their shared experiences and forge meaningful friendships. Nancy’s Workshop is an intimate and immersive exploration of this journey. The film is an invitation to observe Nancy and the journey of these girls, and is a testament to the immeasurable value derived from strong and empowering female relationships. Produced by the Canadian Broadcast Corporation.

DiAna's Hair Ego: AIDS Info Up Front

January 1990 •English

A documentary film about AIDS and one unconventional woman's efforts to educate her small, Southern community. DiAna DiAna is a local hairdresser who transformed her beauty parlor into a center for AIDS and safe sex information.

Greña Cultura Libertad

June 2025 •Spanish

Dark and Lovely, Soft and Free

January 2000 •English

A road trip through gay spaces in small town South Africa, Graeme Reid's documentary introduces viewers to hairstylists, preachers, traditional healers, and beauty queens. This moving film provides an alternative vision of acceptance and celebration, in contrast to the wave of homophobia that is sweeping across sub-Saharan Africa.

Soft Hair

September 2017 •English

People with 'kinky' / curly hair have been the butt of every hair joke worldwide for centuries. From name-calling, discrimination across all platforms, lost opportunities and more, these issues tend to take a toll on the lives of 'naturals' around the globe. 'Sorf Hair.' explores the natural-hair experience in Trinidad and Tobago as several people, from all walks of life and different hair textures, unearth their stories, challenges, and give their points of view on how and why naturals are treated the way they are in this country.

Hrash

December 2024 •French

Inès, of North African origin, has frizzy, unruly curls. But why should she bother straightening it? Where does this obsession with straight, neatly styled hair come from?

The Hairdresser's Husband

October 1990 •French

Antoine has always been fascinated by a hairdresser's delicate touch, the beguiling perfume, and the enticing figure of a woman with an opulent bosom. After all, he had always known he would marry one, completing his idealized love fantasy.

Hairspray

February 1988 •English

'Pleasantly plump' teenager Tracy Turnblad achieves her dream of becoming a regular on the Corny Collins Dance Show. Now a teen hero, she starts using her fame to speak out for the causes she believes in, most of all integration. In doing so, she earns the wrath of the show's former star, Amber Von Tussle, as well as Amber's manipulative, pro-segregation parents. The rivalry comes to a head as Amber and Tracy vie for the title of Miss Auto Show 1963.

Jie Jie

May 2018 •Chinese

Embarrassed by her un-American look, a young girl betrays her younger sister during their first Sunday at a Chinese-American church.

Three Colors: White

January 1994 •French

Polish immigrant Karol Karol finds himself out of a marriage, a job and a country when his French wife, Dominique, divorces him after six months due to his impotence. Forced to leave France after losing the business they jointly owned, Karol enlists fellow Polish expatriate Mikołaj to smuggle him back to their homeland.