Splitting Hairs

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Facial hair championships began 30 years ago in the Black Forest of Germany. “Beard Clubs” organized social gatherings that gradually became competitive. Over time, the championships drew competitors from across Europe, but it was not until the early 1990’s that American pioneers Bruce Roe and Phil Olsen discovered the event.

The film begins one year before the World Beard and Moustache Championships in Berlin, we meet Phil and Bruce at home, and learn of their ongoing rivalry. As Phil puts it: “it’s whether he’s the bigshot in America or I’m the bigshot in America.” We also meet outspoken World Muskateer Champion Gary Johnson, who professes loyalty to no one.

With rivalries boiling, Phil, Bruce and Gary travel to Berlin to face a gauntlet of the best beards and moustaches in the world. As Bruce puts it: “the competition is the toughest I have ever seen”. Phil’s hope for the future, 18 year-old Jack Passion, fights for a place at the top, admitting that “... there are some bearded stallions here.”

After the competition, we join an election for the President the World Beard and Moustache Association. Bruce and Phil are both nominated. This is the showdown they’ve been waiting for…

This is Splitting Hairs.

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