Video Projects

HEAD DESIGNS: For Your Frame of Mind
A Short Documentary

Producer/Director
Aliona L. Gibson

Medium
Digital Video

Length
23 minutes

Sheila Head doesn't know what it's like to have a job that she doesn't like. She has been her own boss since she was 22 years old. In 2004 she turned 50. For the past 20 plus years she has been the owner of Head Designs in Oakland California. She calls herself "an artist whose medium is hair." Her services span way beyond just having your hair done. She provides her clients with the creative and spiritual nourishment that comes with years of cultivating relationships. Her clients have become a family of sorts and she has guided and transformed many through a variety of life transitions. It is not uncommon for people to come specifically to her to have years worth of dreadlocks cut off or to begin the process of locking. Her warmth, sincerity and authenticity encourages her clients to trust her with creating a developing their personal (and sometimes signature) style. She is often given free reign, to which she gladly rises to the occasion, by creating looks that accentuate and highlight one's physical features and inner beauty.

Over the years, Sheila has become a good friend. I consider her a remarkable woman and I am always inspired and encouraged after visiting with her. In my endless search for work that feeds my soul, I am in total admiration of her ability to be her own boss and follow her passion her entire working life.

AlionaGibson.com Video Projects
	Sheila Head of .Head Designs San Francisco Black Film Festival Oakland International Film Festival	HEAD DESIGNS: For Your Frame of Mind A Short Documentary Producer/Director Aliona L. Gibson Medium Digital Video Length 23 minutes Sheila Head doesn't know what it's like to have a job that she doesn't like. She has been her own boss since she was 22 years old. In 2004 she turned 50. For the past 20 plus years she has been the owner of Head Designs in Oakland California. She calls herself "an artist whose medium is hair." Her services span way beyond just having your hair done. She provides her clients with the creative and spiritual nourishment that comes with years of cultivating relationships. Her clients have become a family of sorts and she has guided and transformed many through a variety of life transitions. It is not uncommon for people to come specifically to her to have years worth of dreadlocks cut off or to begin the process of locking. Her warmth, sincerity and authenticity encourages her clients to trust her with creating a developing their personal (and sometimes signature) style. She is often given free reign, to which she gladly rises to the occasion, by creating looks that accentuate and highlight one's physical features and inner beauty. Over the years, Sheila has become a good friend. I consider her a remarkable woman and I am always inspired and encouraged after visiting with her. In my endless search for work that feeds my soul, I am in total admiration of her ability to be her own boss and follow her passion her entire working life.

	.... .. ... Parallel Journeys: The Video Currently in pre-production.	PARALLEL JOURNEYS A feature length video about the historical links and cultural similarities between African-Americans and Black South Africans. Producer/Director Aliona L. Gibson Medium Digital Video Length Approx. 90 minutes Synopsis Many books have been written and films created about life experiences in Africa. However, very little documentation has been made of the African-American experience. One of the goals of this video is to provide a glimpse of the new South Africa from the perspective of African-Americans who have visited the newly democratic nation and those who have chosen to live there, including Peace Corps volunteers. Visiting Africa is often perceived to be an easier experience for Blacks because we physically blend in. There are certain advantages to being Black in Africa but there are also certain obstacles than can both enhance and hinder ones international experience. This video will seek to explore the pros and cons of being Black while traveling/touring, living and working in South Africa. The video will also explore the cultural similarities and historical links (both early and present day) between Blacks in America and those in South Africa. Our connections go back before most of us are aware of. African-Americans were involved in the anti-apartheid struggle as early as the 1940's and went to South Africa as missionaries in the late 1800's. The second half of the video will take place in South Africa and profile African-Americans who currently live there. It will be a travelogue/digital diary which will transport the audience to both the urban and rural areas of the country. We wish to dispel the myths and misconceptions of Africa by showing the various sides of life in South Africa. The video will include the producer/director being reunited with her host family of two years in the Limpopo Province.

Home * Books * Great Black South Africans * Video Projects * Bio & Favorite Links