Rob Munday

Described in its synopsis as an “ode to the mundanity and madness of the high street”, there’s certainly nothing tedious or banal about John Ogunmuyiwa’s film Precious Hair & Beauty. An inventive and surprising portrait of an eclectic community, shot from within the confines of a West African hair salon, this 11-minute short is an example of the filmmaking that makes Ogunmuyiwa one of the most promising talents in the UK scene.

Opening with a dynamic montage that immerses viewers in its vibrant London backdrop, Precious Hair & Beauty swiftly transitions from this energetic visual style to a predominantly static shot (there’s one slow zoom out at the start) from the back of the salon. While the initial exposition is rapid and impactful, the subsequent ten minutes exhibit a deliberate slowing of pace, with Ogunmuyiwa and his team strategically employing jump cuts to ensure the film remains densely packed with action.

The inhabitants of the salon watch the world go by and provide a commentary on their community and its changes.

While the fixed camera perspective means the entire film unfolds within the titular hair salon, Ogunmuyiwa cleverly positions his shot at the back of the shop, capturing glimpses of the external world through the expansive front window. The stars of the film are undeniably the two ladies who run the salon, expertly portrayed by Tomi Ogunjobi (Appreciation) & Kemi Lofinmakin (Festival of Slaps), however by introducing a procession of characters, either entering the salon or passing by its window, Ogunmuyiwa broadens the scope of his short from a simple character portrait to a more expansive social commentary.

In its concise 11-minute duration, Precious Hair & Beauty expertly encapsulates tragedy, drama, comedy, and even a touch of science fiction, transcending its ostensibly straightforward premise to emerge as a truly enchanting and magical cinematic experience. Having been showcased at prestigious events like Sundance and BFI London, and earning nominations for both a BIFA and London Critics’ Circle award, this short film stands as a testament to Ogunmuyiwa’s creative vision and is an indicator of the promising trajectory we can undoubtedly expect from the director in the future.