Bald and Bold
Korea, Japan | Film 80min, TV 55min | 4K | Color
Logline
Follow the Tsuruta Bald Club’s unlikely journey to save their disappearing town by hatching a plan to go global by inviting people worldwide who struggle with baldness to join their community, overcome stigma, and celebrate their hairless heads.
Synopsis
An intimate and witty film following the Tsuruta Bald Club, a unique brotherhood transforming the stigma of hair loss into a badge of honor and shared bond to build community. Led by the eccentric President Sugo, who is determined to revitalize his hometown, the club prepares for its iconic suction-cup tug-of-war tournament. Through the stories of eclectic members including Bonkura, a former rock star, members ranging from their 20s to 90s, and Chris from the UK, the audience witnesses the power of ideas. The film also offers a unique lens to masculinity, loneliness and the power of community.
Director's Statement
Having majored in public policy, I was always interested in regional revitalization initiatives. So when I discovered the "Bald Club” was considered Tsuruta’s hope, I was skeptical at first, only to realize that my assumption was coming from my own prejudice. The club’s journey reveals the unique challenges of balding, masculinity and aging societies in Asia. In a world obsessed with maintaining youth, this club demonstrates the power of community and self acceptance while using pride and humour to bring back a little shine to the world. This film contributes to the global discourse on hair loss and masculinity.
Director & Producer KIM Minjung
Hailing from journalism, Minjung is interested in ordinary stories with extraordinary messages. As a fan of comedy, she focuses on making the documentaries more accessible. Minjung studied International Studies (Seoul National University) and Public Policy (University of Tokyo).