Chez Jolie Coiffure

Despite its small size and the constant stream of police and gawking tourists passing by, the mirrored Jolie Coiffure hair salon in the African Matonge district of Brussels feels more vivacious than claustrophobic. This is primarily due to Sabine, its undocumented Cameroonian immigrant owner. She oversees an engaging community of characters who pass through the shop, including Belgium-based Cameroonian filmmaker Rosine Mbakam, whose easy rapport with Sabine is at the heart of the film. Flirting, gossiping, and braiding accompany harrowing tales of immigration in the safe space of the salon. For such a small film made in an even smaller space, the stories and issues raised are monumental. Mbakam will be present to update us on the dramatic stories of the film’s subjects. (70 mins., DCP)

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