“I Am More Than My Hair” To Debut at Prestigious Black Film Festival

“I Am More than My Hair” is slated to debut at another leading film festival highlighting talented Black filmmakers. My documentary will screen at the 30th annual Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles, California this month.

This is the first time my film was selected for a prestigious festival, so I am both humbled and honored. I am also looking forward to having the opportunity to compare it to the experience of smaller local festivals. I’m excited to see how it all goes.

“I Am More Than My Hair” is a documentary short that includes interviews with women who’ve experienced hair loss due to a health-related condition and their journey of self-empowerment to see beauty beyond the media’s standards.

Created by Hollywood veterans Danny Glover, the late Ja’Net DuBois, and Ayuko Babu, the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) is the biggest Black film and arts festival in the United States. Since 1992, PAFF has attracted filmmakers, artists, and unique craftspeople from over 40 countries and 6 continents to showcase their pivotal work and talent.

I look forward to being in attendance, especially given that the film festival experience after the pandemic hit has not been the same. I’m grateful for the option to participate virtually, but it’s nothing like being in-person.

Although unfortunate, the recent Oscar incident has created a buzz and raised awareness about alopecia. Jada Pinkett Smith is one of the 21 million females in the US affected by the autoimmune condition, which can occur suddenly or develop gradually over time. I produced “I Am More Than My Hair” as a platform to create awareness about female hair loss.

The show times for “I Am More Than My Hair” at PAFF are April 26th and 30th in Short Doc Series 2 screening to take place at Cinemark Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza 15 and XD, 4030 Marlton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90008.

For more information about my projects, visit www.Alyscia.com. To register for “I Am More Than My Hair” film screening on April 26th, visit https://paff.eventive.org/schedule/624117727be1700055b5b795, April 30th, visit https://paff.eventive.org/schedule/62411800a7add80044a815fb.

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See my upcoming events on my website. You’re welcome to read the entire newsletter here.

Reception & Panel Discussion: Making Art Accessible

The reception for I AM MORE THAN MY HAIR takes place this Sunday, April 4, 2021 from 2-3pm. Councilmember Will Jawando will give the opening remarks, which will be followed by an interview of me at the museum and a short virtual tour. The tour will be followed by the Panel Discussion Making Art Accessible. ASL interpretation will be provided.

I am honored to be a host this amazing Panel, who include:

• Ann Cunningham – Moderator, Tactile Artist, Author
• Becky Emmert – Advocate, Activist, Speaker, Instructor
• Brandy “Unique the Deaf Dancer” Mimms –Deaf Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher, Motivational Speaker
• Cheryl Green – Multi-media Digital Artist, Captioner, Audio Describer
• Julie Hein – Educator, Biologist, Leader in Audio Description & Interpretative Development
• Marguerite Woods – Sculptor/Artist Teacher, President of the At-Large and Board member of the NFBMD

A closing poem will be recited by:

• Jeanetta Price – Founder and CEO of Blind Girl Magic LLC

This is the first time I’ve ever had an exhibition reception online. Although I miss in-person interactions, I am grateful that I have the opportunity to connect online. If you are able to join me for the reception and panel discussion, RSVP.

Unable To Attend? Ask Me A Question

Given that my reception happens on Easter Sunday, Sandy Spring Museum has created a form to submit questions for those unable to attend. Submit your question

I Am More Than My Hair Screening and Q&A

During the exhibition I will host a screening of I AM MORE THAN MY HAIR to take place on Sunday, May 2, 2021 from 2-3pm. It is open and free to the public. The screening will be followed by a Q&A.

RSVP for the screening.

I’m headed to Through Women’s Eyes International Film Festival, but my film wasn’t accepted in a handful of other festivals

I Am More Than My Hair was awarded an Official Selection and will screen at the 2020 Through Women’s Eyes International Film Festival, taking place March 6 – 8, in Sarasota, FL. I Am More Than My Hair screens on Sunday March 8th at 1:150pm. I’m heading to Sarasota and I’m super excited to be able to attend the festival! Read more and purchase tickets

If you’re not a filmmaker you may not be aware, but most film festivals won’t accept your submitted film. The agony!

Here’s a list of the film festivals that responded… “Unfortunately, I Am More Than My Hair wasn’t accepted in…”

• DC Independent Film Festival
• Festival de Cannes (Spike Lee is the new President)
• Oregon Film Festival
• Oxford Film Festival
• Tribeca Film Festival

I understand that I aimed high with the above submissions, but I figured… one never knows so why not try?

I’ve become so accustomed to the “Unfortunately…” speech that it becomes second nature to quickly overcome feelings of disappointment and move on to the next thing in line.

I am only sharing becuase I want you — reading this right now — to know that success doesn’t come overnight (however you determine what success means to you).

Similar to grant applications, you may be awarded 1 in every 20 grants that you’ve applied (or bigger). For me, success is determination and the will to get up and keep going despite the outcome.

My 2 cents… just keep pushing! And if you’re heart desires, support my film fundraiser. Read more about it and make a tax-deductible contribution — www.Alyscia.com.

Your support is appreciated!

“I Am More Than My Hair” Wins Award in Best Shorts Film Competition and A Show For Change Film Festival

I am honored to inform you that I Am More Than My Hair has been recognized with an Award of Merit by the Best of Short Film Competition. The Best Shorts Competition demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity, and those who contribute to profound social change. Knowing that is confirmation that I’ve my film is making a difference in society.

I was also recently informed that my film won the Storytelling Award for November’s A Show For A Change Film Festival. a socially conscious entertainment company that changes the world through the power of story.

 

Thank you!

I am so grateful for the outpouring of support along the years. The patience, resources, donations and cheer leading me through my challenges hasn’t gone by unnoticed.

I Am More Than My Hair has been a 4 year journey. The funds raised were a huge contributing factor from the start of my film to its current stage. I can’t thank my supporters enough. If this is you… THANK YOU!

Would you like to support my film? Please consider making a tax-deductible donation via my fiscal sponsor, Docs In Progress.

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 »