Wrexham creatives working with hair celebrated in our new short film

Three creatives working innovatively with hair have been celebrated in a brand new short film.

The new film, commissioned by Tŷ Pawb , features the work of three creative people from or living in Wrexham: artist Anya Paintsil, locktician / hair stylist Rutcher Gomes and braid stylist Admilda Rocha Da Gloria (Teca).

The film premiered at Tŷ Pawb recently at a special event forming part of Black History Month in Wrexham

In the film, the three artists discuss how their practices developed in Wrexham, often using similar tools and skills in different creative ways, from practical hair maintenance to traditional braiding techniques, fine art and rug making.

This is against the backdrop of a lack of provision for cutting and styling afro textured hair in the local area.

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‘We smashed it!’

Speaking after the premiere, Rutcher wrote on social media: “I am not going to lie, Tŷ Pawb made me feel important today. Thank you to everyone that turned up and made the night amazing. Really appreciate it the smile on my family face watching this was something else.

“And everyone involved Iolanda Banu Viegas, Jo Marsh, Anya Paintsil, Tecca, the filming team. A big thanks and well done. We Have Smashed it.”

Anya Paintsil said: “I’m very proud to have been part of this project which has helped to shine a spotlight on the creativity and innovation in afro hairstyling, as well as giving Rutcher, Teca, and I a platform to talk about hair texture discrimination. Thank you to Tŷ Pawb for bringing us together for this film.”

Admilda Rocha Da Gloria (Teca) said: “I would like to thank all the team involved with this project and I hope that our cause goes forward and we can achieve our objectives.”

Iolanda Viegas said: “Hair discrimination is a real issue. We could change it if training was available in colleges to future hairdressers to be able to work with afro hair, that would benefit massively our communities, being inclusive is the key for a better society.”

A wonderful achievement

Cllr Hugh Jones, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, said: “Once again Tŷ Pawb has done incredible work to showcase the strong creative community we have here in Wrexham. The film is an inspiring and insightful look at how the three creatives have developed their practice. I would encourage everyone to watch it. Congratulations to Rutcher, Anya, Teca and everyone involved in the production. It’s a wonderful achievement.”