“I Am More Than My Hair” Documentary by Local Filmmaker Attracts Big Crowd During Silver Spring Premiere

Alyscia Cunningham’s inspirational film tells the stories of several brave women living with the skin condition known as alopecia.

Alyscia Cunningham, author, director and cinematographer, talks to the audience about of her film. (Photo by Jeff Brooks)

SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND — The recent debut of Alyscia Cunningham’s documentary, I Am More Than My Hair, received quite the welcoming at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center during its Oct. 20 premiere. The nearly sold-out event attracted people from all walks of life.

“My audience consisted of people who’ve experienced alopecia in their lives or the lives of their loved ones as well as those who heard about it for the first time. It made for a great conversation,” said Cunningham, the director, producer and cinematographer of the film.

Film participant, Nicole O’Brien, sheds tears as she tells the audience about her experience with alopecia. (Photo by Jeff Brooks)

Alopecia is a common autoimmune condition, in which hair follicles, are damaged by a misguided immune system. It usually affects the scalp but can occur on any hair-bearing skin. Various types of cancer treatments may also cause hair loss. In the United States, about 6.8 million people have or will develop alopecia at some point in their lives, according to the National Alopecia Areata…