“I Am More Than My Hair” is an Official Selection in the 2020 Through Women’s Eyes International Film Festival

I Am More Than My Hair has been selected to screen at Through Women’s Eyes International Film Festival 2020 taking place place on March 6 – 8, in Sarasota, FL. If you’re in the area, consider attending the film festival.

TWE is a fundraiser for the US National Committee for UN Women (USNC), an arm of the United Nations. UN Women works in more than 90 countries in support of gender equality and women’s empowerment. TWE is a volunteer-staffed festival and all net proceeds of TWE are donated to the USNC for advocacy programs and to support the work of UN Women worldwide. Read more and purchase tickets

Film Festivals

It’s a hefty price of $25 – $100 per submission as well as travel/lodging expenses, if my film continues to be selected (a great problem to have). That’s an average of $1K per festival (give or take a few hundred $).

With that in mind… your support is still appreciated! 

Here’s a few ways you can support:

1. Make a tax-deductible donation via my fiscal sponsor, Docs In Progress. Donate $50 or more and I’ll mail you a copy of my book (please forward the confirmation email to Alyscia@momsinfilm.org). If you’d like me to write a special message for someone, once you make the donation contact me and let me know who the book should be autographed to and the message you’d like to share.

2. Purchase a copy on Amazon. If you prefer to purchase a copy of “I Am More Than My Hair” on Amazon, please purchase directly from me (AC Media). 10% of proceeds from book sales are donated to Children’s Alopecia Project (CAP). Please note, I am only able to donate to CAP  if you make a purchase via AC Media. I won’t receive payment for book sold via the other companies.

3. Mail a check. If you don’t care to make a tax-deductible donation, feel free to make a donation via check and mail it. Once again, if you make a donation of $50 or more. I’ll send you a copy of “I Am More Than My Hair” Contact me for the mailing address.

4. Host a private screening. Interested in a private screening? Contact me for more info.

Thank you for your continued support!

 

The Books Have Arrived!

THE SEED HAS FINALLY SOWN

It’s been 4 years in the making of research, planning, production, and post-production… and I Am More Than My Hair books are finally here. Thank you to everyone who believed in my project, supported my fundraisers, and gave words of encouragement or resources to help me more forward.

This is not the end, but only the beginning of an entirely new direction. I have to hit the road with books signings, exhibitions, speaking engagements… and of course… I must sell these books.

You can now purchase on Amazon for $39.95. Remember, 10% of sales proceeds will be donated to Children’s Alopecia Project (CAP). I LOVE their mission: “Help change the emphasis from growing hair to building confidence.”

So feel free to order a copy… or 2… or 3.  Purchase your copy on Amazon.

UPDATE ON THE FILM

I am still in the post-production phase with I Am More Than My Hair documentary film. I’ll have a narrative rough-cut by the end of new week. However, I’m still raising funds to finish because after receiving the rough-cut, there are other steps needed to complete, such as color and sound correction, original score (music) and footage/music licensing (I’ve been working really hard to get permission for India Arie’s song, I Am Not My Hair.

So far I’ve been given access to footage from OWN TV (Harpo Inc.) and I’m very grateful for the permission granted. Your support to help me finish my film will be greatly appreciated… and it’s tax-deductible. Please share.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Book Launch – September 9 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Busboys and Poets
5331 Baltimore Avenue
Hyattsville, MD 20781

Join me in celebration of the launch of my book, I Am More Than My Hair. Purchase your ticket »

 

Book Signing – August 4 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Sandy Spring Museum
17901 Bentley Road
Sandy Spring, MD 20860

This is my first book signing. I will be on hand to sell and sign copies of I Am More Than My Hair. Reserve your spot »

The proof is here!

I received a proof copy of I Am More Than My Hair book. How exciting!

After review, Robin Benson, my Designer, made a minor change then I gave the OK for printing. All copies are expected to arrive by or around July 23, 2018.

In the meantime, I’m working on plans for distribution, marketing, speaking/book tour and of course… grant applications.

This time around, I’m applying finishing fund grants. And in a few weeks I’ll launch…

iFundWomen crowdfunding campaign

I discovered iFundWomen last month while attending Light City Baltimore. How cool is it to have a crowfunding platform dedicated to women only. Amazing!

After speaking with one of the coaches I decided to launch a crowfunding campaign to help cover the finishing cost of I Am More Than My Hair film. I’m almost there. I just need one more push to complete it.

At this point, I will edit the film on my own (rough-cut) and will hire an Editor to complete the fine-cut. As much as I tried to avoid it, I’m guessing the Universe wants me to edit this film. 🙂 I’ll keep you posted.

Pre-order your copy

If you’re interested in pre-ordering a copy of I Am More Than My Hair book, you can do so via PayPal. It will also be available on Amazon but won’t go live until I receive the shipment of books. Pre-order your copy here.

 

HuffPost covered the Fashion Show!

HuffPost Editor, Jamie Feldman, covered the Bald, Beautiful, & Bold Fashion Show. If you missed it, read more here.

The Fashion Show Was A Success!

Five months of planning, a set venue, a dedicated team of professionals, everything was ready to go. Just 2 weeks before the show…we hit a bump in the road.

We had a challenge. A canceled venue location due to circumstances beyond our control – AKA given false information. As devastating as it was when we first got the news, the new location worked in our benefit. We can fit more of an audience and the show went on.

If there’s one thing I’ve always been clear and upfront about, it is the fact that in life we always face adversities. Especially when it’s a cause you feel most passionate about. As much as I’d love for my journey to always be smooth, I’ve learned that the bumps in the road prepare you for greatness.

“Never let a stumble in the road be the end of the journey.”

Carolyn Phillips hit the road (literally) and connected with the Pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church who willingly provided us with the space to hold the show. Woohoo! The thought of canceling was eliminated.

Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for Carolyn and team of people who came together to make the fashion show phenomenal.

Thanks once again….

Carolyn Phillips, Joan Carter-Smith, Lakisha Ellis, Wain Jenkins, Sharon Diggs, Barry Page, Londa Msanii, Lauren Stewart, Artartus Jenkins, April Clark, Nora Bonds, Erica Strong, Rue Medley, Lou Fields, Nora Yolanda, DJ Hardpoint Entertainment,  (if I missed someone please know it wasn’t intentional)

Designers – Londa Msanii for Designs by Londa Msanii; 13-Year-Old Samalie Kabenge; Donna Henderson for Flowerbaum; Aristotle Bouvier for Bouvier’s Creations; Simone Ashley For Simone’s Designs; Carissa Bernard For D’kultered Kunsepts; Ola Raphael For Ola Raphael Designs

Models – You were amazing! Absolutely stunning!
Brenda Alford, Toni Jessop, Isaiah “The Model” Branch, Thurman Jones, Sharon Alford, Verne Johnson, Cornelius Bryant, Troy Mitchell, Tondalaya Dunn, Shalonda Mitchell, Tea Copeland, Michael Nwachukwu, Kathie Ehrmann, Nicole O’Brien Dupee, Sin Gabriel, Ty Sydnor, Tammy Flake, Carolyn Phillips, Steve Golub, Prentiss Hakeem Watson, Deborah Gray, Wain Jenkins, Paula Hart, Lillie William

Sponsors – The Umbrella Syndicate, Anu Essentials, Turban Diva, Miss Jessie’s, Emmanuel Lutheran Church

Cheers to all hostess and volunteers for making this a successful event!

Here’s a sneak peak of the Designer’s creations. Did you know there were two young designers in the show? See the creativity of 13-year-old Designer Samalie Kabenge, and 17-year-old Designer Simone Ashley.

Designer Londa Msanii 

Designer Londa Msanii 

Designer Londa Msanii 

Designer Londa Msanii 

Designer Samalie Kabenge

Designer Samalie Kabenge

Designer Samalie Kabenge

Designer Donna Henderson

Designer Donna Henderson

Designer Donna Henderson

Jewelry Designer Aristotle Bouvier

Jewelry Designer Aristotle Bouvier

Designer Simone Ashley

Designer Simone Ashley

Designer Simone Ashley

Designer Ola Raphael

Designer Ola Raphael

Designer Ola Raphael

Designer Ola Raphael

Designer Ola Raphael

Designer Carissa Bernard

Designer Carissa Bernard

Designer Carissa Bernard

Jewelry Designer Aristotle Bouvier

Jewelry Designer Aristotle Bouvier

     See more photos on The Umbrella Syndicate’s Facebook page and Barry Page’s Dropbox.  And how amazing is it to have a project from this project! Ken Rochon, Founder of The Umbrella Syndicate, and 5K sponsor for the Bald, Beautiful, & Bold Fashion Show, is going to publish a new book from his Keep Smiling series titled, Bold, Beautiful, & Bold. View a sneak peak here.

     We’d love for you to share but please remember to keep the photographers caption/copyright info on the photos. If cropping is necessary please include the photographer’s credit. Thank you!

There’s less than 2 weeks before the Fashion Show

I am forever grateful for the support of an entire planning committee coming together to organize the Bald, Beautiful, & Bold Fashion Show as a benefit for my film.

For the past several weeks, I’ve helped with setting up the event and have learned a lot in the process. Who knew there was so much involved in organizing a fashion show?!?

Although I still have a long stretch to go with raising all funding, to cover the cost of editing my film, the Bald, Beautiful, & Bold Fashion Show is a great start, and I’ve met some really cool along the way. I truly appreciate the efforts of everyone involved.

Are you in the Baltimore area or plan on traveling this way to attend? Purchase tickets here

Keep Smiling: Bald Edition

Ken Rochon, Founder of The Umbrella Syndicate and 5K Sponsor of the Bald, Beautiful, & Bold Fashion, has proposed a new project, based on the show.

Ken included me in one of his Keep Smiling book series titled, Black Women Influencers Who Impact & Inspire the World and has proposed a Bald and Beautiful edition, in collaboration with the fashion show. There is a small fee of $197 to be in the book (see flyer for details). This helps to alleviate costs of production.

If you’re interested, please email Ken@BigEventsUSA.com and let him know I referred you. He will take photos, of those interested, at the fashion show or will set up a studio session at a later date.

 

 

Upcoming event

I’m one of the guest speakers for Women Of the World Festival 2018 (WOW Baltimore). I’m going to present a WOW Bite, a feminist corner and 15-minute TED-style talk. If you’re in the Baltimore area, please join me along with thousands of other women, all coming together for a positive cause. Register here

The Oprah Winfrey Network’s In!

Anyone who’s worked hard and dedicated much of their time to creating and continuing on a path that they feel most passionate about, knows that failure is a part of the journey. And without the periods of falling, one would never know what it truly takes to withstand the many storms that comes your way and still and rise to the occasion.

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. Please remember that your difficulties do not define you. They simply strengthen your ability to overcome.” ~Maya Angelou

I’ve reached out to several media outlets for licensing or collaboration in order to use segments of filmed footage in my documentary. Most (knowing their guilty of the not so positive imagery they’ve produced) have denied consent. But I’m very excited that my first “Yes” of approval was given by OWN TV!

FYI, it is not an endorsement (just to be clear) but it’s a blessing to know that my documentary was provided with permission after thorough review of my character and the work I create as an artist. Although it was disappointing to not reach my campaign goal on Indiegogo, the love and and support gained, is an affirmation.

“Every no brings me closer to a yes.” ~Mark Cuban

See the list of everyone who supported my campaign. As I persevere with I Am More Than My Hair, I ask for your continued support to help raise funds for my project by donating via my fiscal sponsor, Docs In Progress using this link – https://docsinprogress.nationbuilder.com/hair

I Am More Than My Hair is a passion project that has honestly been an extension of Feminine Transitions. It is about the transitions we experience as women that we feel necessary to cover and remain silent because we face a tremendous amount of pressure within society to uphold to a certain “look”.

What I know for sure is…

Beauty has no dimensions and the definition of what it exemplifies does NOT fit in a box. With that in mind… know that you are beautiful (handsome)!

I’ve been in hiatus, with filming, editing and photo shoots. Here’s a trailer I put together. It’s a honor to keep you posted… and I continue with with my journey.

I Am More Than My Hair trailer from Alyscia Cunningham on Vimeo.

I’m Launching a KCA Campaign!

A few weeks ago I received a Google alert about Alicia Keys and her stance on her #NoMakeup movement. In the recent past, a few celebrities spoke out against Photoshop manipulation but for the first time a celebrity has gained a significant amount of attention and admiration for a major lifestyle shift that is typically deemed as unacceptable in the Hollywood world.

Photo copyright © Zoltán Tombor (for Fault Magazine).

Although our children learn about self-love and acceptance through their close family relationships (and in turn with themselves) public figures have a profound influence in the lives of our youth. This makes it so much more important that celebrities use their voice as positive platforms for much needed change.

Given that my focus as an author, filmmaker and photographer is about natural beauty, it was only natural that I reach out to Alicia Keys for an interview.

In the process of researching her agent and PR company, I found Keep A Child Alive (KCA), an organization, co-founded by Alicia Keys, that partner with grass-roots organizations to combat the physical, social and economic impact of HIV on children and families in Africa and India.

After diving into my research about KCA (I completely forgot about the interview and focused on the mission of the organization) I discovered the organization also encompasses youth empowerment. The youth-led peer support groups are helping young people living with HIV access support and confidence that they need to live healthy lives and build bright futures.

I immediately wanted to get involved. It’s all about empowerment… and that’s my focus.

About $1,000 covers a year’s worth of programming for a youth peer support group. With that in mind, I decided to launch a campaign that focuses on positive message for the youth in the youth-led support groups. My goal is to raise $3,000, which will cover programming for about 3 youth groups.

I will film 30-60 second videos of individuals voicing their message of encouragement for the children. Something similar to the recent video I filmed about beauty.

Here’s how you can help make this campaign a success…

1. I need 20 individuals willing to volunteer a short amount of time (literally 5 minutes) to be filmed for the videos. Family members and friends… I will be calling you first.
2. Donate to the campaign once I launch it. Instead of charging a fee to be filmed and edited, I ask that you please help fund the campaign and make it a success.
3. Share, share, share! The more you can share on your platforms, the most it will gain more attention and go viral (that’s the goal).

It’s that simple!

KCA’s Black Ball will take place on Wednesday October 19, 2016. I will launch my campaign on Wednesday October 12, 2016, a week prior to the Ball. If happen to live or plan on visiting the New York City area, please considering purchasing a ticket for KCA’s Black Ball.

My campaign will end on World Aids Day, December 1, 2016 at approximately 11:59pm. No amount is too small and anything you can give is appreciated. Please be on the lookout for my newsletter about my campaign going live!

 

My First Grant Award!

After several years of applying on multiple platforms with various organizations, I am so EXCITED to finally have been awarded my first grant. The Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County, MD provided me with a $3,500 grant to help me develop and print 1,000 copies of my book I Am More Than My Hair: Bald and Beautiful Me, a social-change coffee table book that tells the stories and celebrates the beauty of girls and women who have lost their hair due to medical conditions.

Although the many rejection letters I’ve received was disappointing, I must admit, I was unprepared for a grant before this. After comparing my previous applications to the one I was awarded, there’s no mistaking the growth between then and now.

Looking at my old applicators I wouldn’t have granted myself an award either. Don’t get me wrong, the art is beautiful, but the execution of it wasn’t planned out as I’ve organized it to be now.

Also, recently being selected as an art panelist, for another arts & humanities council, allowed me to view applications from the eyes of a judge. And of course I was able to give back to the community. For my next round of grant applications I will fully prepared.

With all of the excitement and appreciation inside of me, I’ve also had to recognize that I’ll need to come up with an additional  $25, 870 of my $29, 370 budget, to complete both the book and documentary. Yes it’s that much!

For this reason I decided to apply for Fiscal Sponsorship (it’s another application process that has to be approved) and will launch a Crowdfunding campaign in January 2017.

I will send the details and status as I get closer to the dates. In the meantime, know that I’ve been working like a mad woman…and learning so much in the process. Thank you for your support and encouraging emails along the way!

I’m still looking for participants for I Am More Than My Hair. Know anyone? Let’s connect!

I’m Up To Something

I’ve been busy at work…literally. My Home Improvement business has grown significantly since the start of 2016. Due to the growth I haven’t been able to dedicate as much time on my art and writing as usual. Given that the past few years has been most challenging I won’t complain and most definitely grateful for the blessing.

I am still working on my project I Am More Than My Hair: Bald and Beautiful Me (photo book and documentary. If can know a girl or women who has either lost their hair due to medical conditions or has cut their hair in support of a loved one please let me know. I am still looking for 20 participants.

Thankfully I was awarded the 2016 Docs In Progress Fellowship, which allows me the focus and support in order to produce my first film. I’m so excited about this! Now I only have to catch up with everyone (and everything) but no worries, I’ll get there.On that note, I’m seeking another intern. If you have someone in mind please send me your referral.

Also, this semester I started Screenwriting class and couldn’t be more pleased. Writing is a release and through it I’ve learned that I’m actually pretty good at it (Yes I’m patting myself on the back:). I wrote three scripts and will take a shot at shooting it, unless it picked up by a film studio. That will be later on once I’ve completed my project however.

I just wanted to reach out, say hello and let you know what I was up to since I haven’t written in a while. And if you’re free for any of my upcoming events simply RSVP and I will add you to the list.

Last thing… I found an article about my work on SoulPancake. How cool is that! I love SoulPancake and their message of delivering news that matters.

Until next time…

Alyscia Cunningham

Have You Ever Dreamed?

Bubbles Beyond Borders, a global campaign to support the dreams of women around the world, launches on August 16th, 2014.

To become a team leader in your state or province, contact Bubbles Beyond Borders. I will be leading the Maryland Campaign and would love to have many hands.

Join individuals, organisations and activists who will take to the streets on August 16th at 1pm local time to blow bubbles for a powerful purpose – to pledge an action in support of girls and women’s rights and dreams around the world. Why bubbles?

•the right to respect
•the right to an innocent childhood
•the right to an education
•the right to express themselves
•the right to independence
•the right to choose their own partners
•the right to equal pay
•the right to protection under the law
•the right to vote, and participate in government

Please get involved and help us take this to the next level!

You can participate NOW by taking a photo of yourself or your daughter, granddaughter, neice and/or friends blowing bubbles with a short written description of your dreams and post it on Bubbles Beyond Borders.

Please support our work by sharing posts using #bubblesbeyondborders and liking the Facebook page. There is also a list of things you can do to help and a list of ideas for a pledge.

Please share this post with everyone you know!