A family born 'too hairy' for society's comfort — and the circus is their only escape.
Jesus 'Chuy' Aceves and a dozen living members of his extended family suffer from the very rare condition of congenital hypertrichosis, meaning they were born with excessive hair on their faces and bodies. Due to their appearance, they suffer from discrimination in all areas of their lives: the children are made fun of at school and abandoned by their 'non-hairy' parents, and the adults cannot find work unless they choose to exhibit themselves as freaks in circuses. This moving and visually arresting documentary is a portrait of Chuy and his family members. It examines their day-to-day lives and their struggle to find love, acceptance and employment.
Direction
Aridjis refuses exploitation — the camera serves, never stares.
Cinematography
Stunning Zacatecas landscapes against claustrophobic circus tents.
Writing
Quiet moments hit harder than any narration could.
Director
Eva Aridjis
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Hypertrichosis has been documented since the 1500s, with sufferers historically displayed as 'werewolves' or 'dog-men' across European courts.
Director Eva Aridjis spent three years earning trust; several family members had never allowed cameras before, making this their first unmediated portrayal.
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