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Pelo Malo "Bad Hair"

Pelo Malo is a visual poem that explores the duality of curly hair’s cultural narrative, depicting the tension between self-expression and imposed beauty standards. It opens with a silent conversation between a hairstylist and the artist’s hair, highlighting the stylist’s unspoken wish to freely embrace her own textured hair, unbound by societal expectations. This layered, poetic journey captures the struggle of “fixing” natural hair to meet beauty norms, only to realize that the true transformation lies in redefining the stories we tell ourselves about beauty and belonging.

  • Massiel Alfonso
    Director
    Creative Director/Performer
  • Massiel Alfonso
    Writer
    Spoken Word Poet/Award-winning Author/ Storyteller
  • Anthony Rojas
    Producer
    Emmy Nominated Filmmaker + Photographer + Graphic Designer
  • Maria Burgos
    Key Cast
  • Lisbeth Tavarez Santana
    Key Cast
  • Jerenise Paula
    Key Cast
  • Lianis Cortorreal
    Key Cast
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Pelo Malo
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    1 minute 29 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 18, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English, Spanish
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Massiel Alfonso

Massiel Alfonso is a multidisciplinary artist, award-winning author, poet, educator, and community event curator who uses her voice and art to inspire, change, and challenge the status quo. As a spoken word artist and creative director, she takes personal experiences and transforms them into powerful stories that amplify voices often left unheard, calling for healing, awareness, and action.

Her work, including Pelo Malo (“Bad Hair”) and A Conversation with Body, dives into themes like identity, culture, self-love, and resilience. These pieces break the silence on issues like sexual
assault and the cultural stigmas that shape the lives of Dominican women and teens. Through raw storytelling, striking visuals, and heartfelt performances, Massiel reclaims space and reshapes the narrative, sparking important conversations and empowering others.

Whether on the page, stage, or screen, Massiel’s art connects deeply with people. Her work isn’t just about her story—it’s about reclaiming power, redefining beauty, and demanding respect. With every piece she creates, she moves us closer to a world where healing and justice
are possible.

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