Arizona's Black American Barbers — A Documentary by Dallas Teat
"What I Saw on This Journey. I Saw History Go Down."
The Film
Zuma-One Visual Archeology, LLC, an Arizona-based production company founded in 2016 by Dallas and Zuma Teat, seeks $30,500 to complete the documentary 'Arizona's Black American Barbers'.
Documentary
WHAT IS THIS DOCUMENTARY ABOUT?
"Arizona's Black American Barbers" takes viewers on a journey across Arizona, spanning urban centers, suburban neighborhoods, and rural areas, exploring the narratives of 25 Black American barbers who have dedicated their lives to their craft and to their communities. Through intimate interviews, vivid imagery, and compelling storytelling, the documentary captures the essence of these barbershops as more than just places to get a haircut, but as sanctuaries of culture, resilience, and identity.
- 1Explores the cultural and historical significance of Black American barbershops in Arizona
- 2Features intimate portraits of 25 barbers across urban, suburban, and rural communities
- 3Documents the barbershop as a sanctuary of culture, resilience, and identity
This documentary is a celebration of community, craft, and the living history preserved within Arizona's Black American barbershops.
Director's Vision
Why Am I Making This Film?
I am not a native Arizonan or "Zonie" as I was once called in San Diego. My birthplace was a very small, close knit Black American community on the Eastern Shore of Maryland named Pondtown. In Pondtown, like many small towns and communities of that era, families provided barber and beautician services in their homes.
What I Saw on This Journey.
I Saw History Go Down.
— Dallas Teat, Director
I came to Phoenix in 1980 by way of Detroit, Michigan. Having neither family nor friends here, I was a bit lost both literally and figuratively.
My introduction to Black life in Phoenix began in a small shop on East Washington Street—Sublett's Barbershop.
After the "Barbershop" movies and multitude of clones were released, I was surprised to learn that many of my colleagues and acquaintances, regardless of ethnic origin, could only relate to Arizona's Black Barbers via the comedic images portrayed in the mainstream media.
This fact-based documentary seeks to correct widely held misconceptions and distorted perceptions.
Filming has taken us into the heart of Arizona's communities — from barbershops to outdoor events — capturing candid moments that reveal the deep connections between barbers and the people they serve.
25 barbers.
One journey.
Untold history.
Support the Film
Support the Film
Help us complete Arizona's Black American Barbers
$22,500
Already Raised
$53,000
Total Budget
$30,500
Still Needed
In the Field
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Together, we can preserve and share the stories of Arizona's Black American barbers for generations to come.
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Zuma-One Visual Archeology, LLC
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