Chicago native Melvin Taylor II is using personal experience to connect with audiences worldwide. His short film “BALDY,” produced by Stay Taylor’d Productions and directed by Brooklyn filmmaker Eddie Griffith, has been selected for more than 20 festivals in 2025, including screenings in New York, Los Angeles, Texas, Tennessee and as far as Cannes.
Shot in New York City, the film tells the story of Travis, a 20-something navigating dating and self-image while dealing with hair loss. The project blends humor and honesty to highlight a subject that affects millions.
According to the American Hair Loss Association, more than 80 million people in the United States experience hair loss, including about 35 million men and 21 million women. The condition can begin as early as age 15, impacting one in four men before age 21 and nearly 5% of women by age 30.
Festival momentum for “BALDY” continues to grow, with upcoming screenings at the Houston Comedy Film Festival, Detroit Black Film Festival and Harlem Hip Hop Film Festival. The film’s presence in Cannes also drew attention from film critique platform Deadline, which noted Taylor’s appearance at the festival for a project he both wrote and executive produced.
Taylor, who also stars in the short, has acting credits in “Harlem,” “YOU,” “Elsbeth,” “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” and “A Thousand and One.” His writing draws on his experiences balancing multiple careers and pursuing storytelling with authenticity.
Griffith, a member of the Directors Guild of America, has worked on productions such as “Creed III,” “The Bikeriders,” “Bros,” “Journal for Jordan,” “No Sudden Move” and “YOU.” His background as an assistant director on high-profile sets helped shape the film’s pacing and style.
“BALDY” has drawn attention for its candid approach to a subject often overlooked in film. By mixing humor, vulnerability and community, the story gives audiences a relatable and fresh look at the insecurities surrounding hair loss.
With additional festival selections on the horizon and increasing media coverage, “BALDY” is building momentum as one of the breakout shorts of 2025.
