Director Statement: On average, 20% of men in their 20s start experiencing hair loss. Thanks to modern technology, there are many options to address this change, but some may choose to embrace nature’s course. This is the journey of our lead character, Travis, in Baldy: a story about a Black man finding self-acceptance.

As a Black man who is a Director, I am drawn to stories about us, yet too often we are portrayed as victims of trauma that never fully heal, survivors of tragedies we barely escape, or as superhumans with extraordinary powers. Baldy offers a different perspective, focusing on the everyday Black man grappling with his identity, which is deeply connected to his physical appearance—starting with his hairline.

Our film is a comedy with touches of surrealism that reflect Travis’s inner anxieties. I aimed to highlight genuine male bonding, especially through Travis’s interactions with his barber, who not only boosts Travis’s confidence with a haircut but also playfully teases his receding hairline. The moments between Travis and his father, as well as with his roommate, are crafted to feel intimate, showing a broken man being supported and healed by the trusted men in his life.

Baldy was shot during the final stages of the work stoppage caused by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike. Being on set and bringing this story to life reminded both the crew and me why we are passionate about this craft and why we love making movies. Despite having only three days to shoot and limited rehearsal time with some cast members, every actor brought their characters to life with authenticity and depth, making them feel like real people you might meet in Brooklyn. I hope the audience is entertained and finds empathy in Travis’s journey of identity and confidence.