Monday, April 9, 2012

Help finish 'Astor Barber All Stars'


Filmmaker Karen Gehres let us know about her latest project — "Astor Barber All Stars," a documentary about the people who own, work at and go to Astor Place Hairstylists at 2 Astor Place near Broadway.

She launched a Kickstarter campaign today. She has a $5,000 goal to help tighten up the edit, sound mix, etc.

Here's more about the film and Kickstarter campaign:

With so many NYC Institutions dropping like flies due to skyrocketing rent, one barber shop remains. Since 1939, Astor Barber has been cutting hair with pizzaz and is still one of NYC's most loved institutions. The Vezza family, their loyal customers and over 50 stylists working at Astor will show why this 3 generation family owned business attracts 'em all.



As a family run business since 1947, the owners have many stories to tell. A success story in itself, I want to explore their perspective on the daily workings of the place and the people that have walked through their doors. From the countless celebrity customers to the karaoke in the back with other 50 barbers,this barber shop is never dull.

Gehres previously filmed the acclaimed documentary "Begging Naked," which chronicled Elise Hill, an artist who became a prostitute and heroin addict.

Learn more about the Kickstarter campaign here.


Jeremiah wrote about it today too. Find his take here.

[Production stills by Phil Penman]

7 comments:

Kent W. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kent W. said...

Just donated. Been going to Astor Place hair for a few years now and I would love to see my Alberto & Co. get some recognition for their hard work.

I just hope it won't be too hard to get some time in the chair after it comes out.

Marty Wombacher said...

I loved that video and can't wait to see the whole documentary! I'm going to go donate now.

BaHa said...

Valentino ("I work here every day. I will work here until they throw me out.") has been cutting my hair for years.

Ken from Ken's Kitchen said...

I'm sure the doc is great, but sorry, meh to Astor. All hype still. Got 3 bad haircuts in a row from 3 different "stylists" back in the 90s and never went back. Want a good haircut? Go to see Eddy, with his own small shop off First ave at 21st St -- he gives a great haircut. And not always the same haircut, he listens and gets it right. For $13.

And grab an Ess-A-Bagel on the corner on yer way home.

BabyDave said...

I got, honestly, the worst haircut of my life there, around 1979-80. The place was semi-trendy, and certainly inexpensive enough, so I thought, what the heck? Well, in less than a minute I had this hideous buzz-cut or whatever that had me running to find a baseball cap.
Still, I wish the place many more years in business.

Karen Gehres said...

If anyone has pictures of themselves with an Astor Place haircut that they want to share,I'd like to use them during the final credits of the film. Thank you!