HAIRCARE - A SHORT DOCUMENTARY PROJECT
A documentary timecapsule of Auckland’s COVID-19 lockdown, as told through haircuts and the people under all that hair.
Info for those getting a haircut:
Firstly, thank you for considering sharing with us the lopping off of your luscious locks. We think it’s a lovely feeling to get your hair cut under normal circumstances, but after such a long lockdown we think this time around it might be particularly special. That’s why we want to be there to capture it whenever you can get yours did.
However, this isn’t only a story about hair. While you’re in the chair and getting your trim, we’d like to ask you about the ups and downs of how your lockdown has been. Elina and Benj are both experienced interviewers (and chill, sensitive people). We’re not going to pressure you or ask you anything difficult. We only want to know about the things that you are 100% wanting to share with us. You can shoot the breeze, decompress, or enjoy the moment and feel whatever you feel. This story is about acknowledging that it’s been a shit time, but it’s also about celebrating this next stage in the journey. Wherever you’re at is where the conversation will flow, and at the end, once you’re all primped and pampered, we’ll get a few shots of you looking fresh.
We’re looking to include anyone who agrees that this is a momentous time for ordinary activities. Any type of person and any type of haircut is relevant for our story. If you’re going somewhere special we’d like to be there, if you’re meeting your barber after hours in the park (we know a few of you already have) we’d like to hang out too. Please get in touch with your barber or barbress and ask if we can come along, and send them this website so they can know what to expect.
We are working under the screen industry COVID-19 guidelines, which means we’ll be masked up, traced, vax’d, and will look after your safety as well as our own.
Our plan with this project is to create a history of this strange time in our city. We’ll aim to make a short film from a series of interviews to release to festivals initially, or an online distributor, before releasing it publicly for all to watch for free.
One the big day, we’ll meet you 10 mins before your appointment and follow the action as it falls (to the floor in clumps).
Info for those who give haircuts:
Thank you for considering allowing us to film in your place of work. We are aware that this will be a busy and unusual time for you. We are in full support of what you do, and have missed you over the past few months. So, the last thing we want is to get in your way.
What we will do, with your permission:
Film your customer as they get their first haircut in at least three months.
Film your contribution to the conversation, if you’re up for it. However, if you’d prefer not to be a part of it then worry not, we stick to filming the person in the chair.
follow any protocols you have in your place of work, and will also follow our own screen industry protocols for filming safely at this time - that means masks, hygiene, and contract tracing will all be in effect.
Credit you and your work in the film, and show you doing your thing in your awesome salon, if that’s all OK with you.
What we won’t do:
We won’t slow you down, or ask you to do anything different to what you normally do. This is a documentary, not a feature film.
We won’t bring lighting or large film equipment. It will just be us two and a camera.
We won’t film other people in your venue (including you, if you prefer)
We won’t film identifying features of your venue, unless you’re OK with it (a little advertising never hurt).
Please get in touch with us if you have any questions.
Elina - elina@fastmail.com
Benj - benj@popular.nz - 0210666288
Elina (co-director) runs Storyo. She creates stories celebrating women and gender diverse folks in New Zealand. Her mission is to show you the vulnerable and honest sides of everyone’s journey.
Benj (co-director) runs POPULAR. He creates documentary projects with truth, authenticity, and community at the centre. He works with Aotearoa institutions, such as Auckland Zoo, Auckland Libraries, and Auckland Art Gallery to help share their work.
