Hollywood Beauty Salon

Wednesday, September 21, 2016 – 7:30pm
USA 2015. Dir: Glenn Holsten. 88 min. DCP

VANCOUVER PREMIERE! ► It may have only one sink and two chairs, but the diminutive size of the Hollywood Beauty Salon, an intimate beauty parlour inside the Germantown Recovery Community in Philadelphia, belies its huge import. A gathering place for both clients and volunteers of this non-profit, community-based mental health program, the salon provides a safe, nurturing, and companionable space where women (and men) can share stories and support one another — and yes, get their hair done. The salon is operated by Rachel (“Hollywood”) Carr, an irrepressible force of nature who initially approached the Community for help with her own mental health issues; she now works there as a certified peer specialist and “guide on the side.” As Rachel and other salon clients ready themselves for the annual “Recovery Hair Show,” this heart-warming and inspiring documentary reminds us that mental health recovery and hope can be found in the most unlikely of places.

Post-screening discussion with Caroline MacGillivray and Sandra Severs.

Co-sponsored by Beauty Night Society

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Ms. MacGillivray is the founder and Executive Director of Beauty Night Society, a registered charity that provides wellness programs, life-skills development, and makeovers to women and youth living in poverty.

Ms. Severs is the Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association North and West Vancouver Branch, which operates the Kelty Dennehy Mental Health Resource Centre, a community-based mental health hub that provides mental health information, community resources, and support to those affected by mental health challenges.

Moderated by Caroline Coutts, film curator, filmmaker, and programmer of “Frames of Mind” since its inception in September 2002.

REVIEWS
“Stirring … [A] wondrous story of beauty.”Village Voice | full review