Two self-made hair artists, 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.
SYNOPSIS
Tribal Strands is a documentary film that amplifies the growing movement to end hair discrimination in the United States and around the world. The film seeks to normalize and highlight the profound cultural and social significance of Black hair, exploring its deep-rooted power and symbolism.
Through the lens of two central hair artists, the story delves into the intersections of ancient Indigenous tribal hairstyles and the echoes of those styles in contemporary hair expression. Their work sparks conversations around art, activism, and identity bridging the past and present to reveal the historical importance of Black hair and its continued relevance in today’s society.
Director Statement
The perspective I bring to Tribal Strands is deeply personal—rooted in my own experiences navigating the politics of Black hair. Like many people of color, I’ve often had to question whether certain hairstyles, especially braids, would be considered “professional” or “acceptable” for job interviews or the workplace. From a young age, I was taught to conform, and I constantly asked myself, What does our hair have to do with our professionalism or intelligence?
Over time, I realized these choices weren’t just about style—they were about survival. The pressure to alter or hide our natural hair to be accepted chips away at our self-worth. If I didn’t remove my braids before a job interview, I risked being seen as less capable or not getting the opportunity at all.
What inspired this film was following one of the hairstylists featured in the story. Her work, artistry, and bold embrace of culture and identity lit a spark in me. She used hair as a form of storytelling and resistance—and it moved me to do the same through film.
I’m making Tribal Strands because I’ve lived these realities. And I continue to witness others facing the same biases and barriers. These experiences are not only unjust—they’re harmful, often leading to deep emotional and psychological impact. Through this film, I aim to challenge those narratives and uplift the beauty, resilience, and historical significance of Black hair.
ABOUT FILMMAKER(S)
Director Suzette Burton
Suzette Burton is an award-winning filmmaker and received a B.F.A. in Film/Video from Pratt Institute. She has directed the short documentary film "Disconnected" about her father's mysterious death, which premiered at The B.A.M. Theater (Brooklyn Academy of Music) in 2006.
Since graduating, she has co-produced the documentary "Daddy Don't Go," directed by Emily Abt. The film was also executive produced by Omar Epps and Malik Yoba. It aired on the Starz network in 2015 and screened at over 30 film festivals, winning eight best documentary awards. Suzette has also worked as a co-director, producer, cinematographer, and editor for various companies. Such as Blumhouse Productions, Disarming Films, Unladylike2020, WEtv/A.M.C. Networks, Pureland Pictures, "Little White Lie" (Truth Aid Media), Black Girls Film, Stick Figure Productions, and Karina Sharif. Last year she was an associate producer on the short documentary "Women Who Ride" and co-producer on the feature-length documentary "Interaction Cowboy" streaming on PBS. In 2022 she was the associate producer at A.B.C. News Longform (specials & documentaries) and Hulu on a docu-series titled "Killing County" executive produced by Kaepernick Media’s Colin Kaepernick and Robe Imbriano. It is also narrated by André Holland. And in 2023 she was the production coordinator on the documentary "Whitney Houston in Focus," directed by Benjamin Alfonsi and executive produced by Audra McDonald.
Aside from freelancing, Suzette is currently directing several projects, which includes " Tribal Strands" as well as a continuation of "Disconnected" and is the owner of Concrete Dreams Productions L.L.C.
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Women Make Movies (WMM), Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit media arts organization registered with the New York Charities Bureau of New York State and accepts charitable donations on behalf of this project. Your donation will be spent by the filmmaker(s) toward the production and completion of this media project. No services or goods are provided by Women Make Movies, the filmmaker(s) or anyone else associated with this project in exchange for your charitable donation.
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