Espresso Media International adds "Hair: Uncut" to its documentary slate

Espresso Media International have acquired new documentary "Hair: Uncut" (1x45’) for global distribution (excl. UK & Ireland). The film is co-directed by actress Fola Evans-Akingbola and Jordan Pitt, and produced with Lee MJ Daley, One Umbrella Productions, and Doc Hearts. The documentary will air on Sky Documentaries and stream on NOW in the UK & Ireland from October 1st, under its UK&I title Untold Stories: Hair on Set. Espresso Media International is representing the documentary for rest-of-world sales across all rights.

Behind the scenes, away from the glitz and glamour, film and television’s brightest stars are suffering in silence because of their Afro hair. From Black British actress Fola Evans-Akingbola ("The Night Agent") comes "Hair: Uncut", an intimate and emotive exploration of today’s stars’ experiences with Afro hair on set. Featuring exclusive interviews from stars including Naomie Harris ("Moonlight"), Naomi Ackie ("I Wanna Dance With Somebody"), Nathalie Emmanuel ("Game of Thrones"), David Ajala ("Star Trek: Discovery"), and Verona Rose ("Top Boy"), share for the first time their stories of hidden struggles of hair on film and TV sets.

Georgia Walters, Senior Marketing and Acquisitions Executive at Espresso, who acquired the film, says: “We are thrilled to be working with the 'Hair: Uncut' team on bringing this vital film to international audiences. Not only is this an important film to spark industry conversations, but it is also an accessible, engaging gateway for audiences to understand and relate to –particularly given the stellar household names featured. I’m incredibly proud to welcome 'Hair: Uncut' into Espresso’s catalogue, and we look forward to seeing how the film is received globally.”

Rebecca Nicholls, Head of Sales and Acquisitions at Espresso: “We are very excited to represent 'Hair: Uncut' for international sales, building on Espresso’s outstanding slate of documentaries on global social issues. This film sparks a vital conversation through the unseen struggles of some of today’s brightest stars.”

Fola Evans-Akingbola, co-Director: “Something as seemingly superficial as hair has taught me so much about the universal topics of race, identity and belonging. It’s been an honour to speak with stars from the entertainment industry bout this deeply personal and important subject of Afro hair on set. We are looking forward to this story connecting with international audiences, and hope the film makes a positive contribution to the industry.”

Jordan Pitt, co-Director and Lee MJ Daley, from One Umbrella Productions: “We hope that this film not only raises discussions about the issue of hair on set, but is also used as a tool to force a much-needed change within the industry.”

Andy Mundy-Castle, from Doc Hearts: “The issue of Afro Hair on movie sets actually speaks to a broader social issue of injustice. We believe these stars sharing their own testimonies will give people a gateway into understanding how this issue affects everyday people. Showing an understanding of Afro hair is crucial for inclusive storytelling and authentic portrayal of characters with diverse backgrounds and experiences, which ultimately leads to great entertainment for everyone.”