A feature film inspired by the life and mission of Filipino-American hairstylist and humanitarian Mark Bustos is hitting the big screen.
Photo: Mark Bustos/Instagram
Independent filmmaker and actor Chris Soriano, best known for writing, directing, and acting in “Almighty Zeus,” “The Wedding Hustler,” and “The Master Chief: Part One,” will helm the upcoming film that chronicles Bustos’ selfless journey of offering free haircuts to the homeless in New York. Notably, he will also portray Bustos in the film.
Photo: Chris Soriano/Official website
Meanwhile, Bustos will serve as Executive Producer, contributing his personal insights and vision to ensure an authentic and emotional portrayal of his philanthropic efforts.
The feature film is currently in production and is slated for a theatrical release in October 2025, with a streaming premiere in November of the same year. Its working title, as revealed by Soriano, is “The Barber.”
In 2014, Bustos made headlines for giving free haircuts to the homeless in New York during his day off, despite working full-time at an elite boutique salon where services start at $150 (approximately P8,000).
Photo: Mark Bustos/Instagram
He actually began offering free haircuts to underprivileged children and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Philippines as early as 2012.
Soriano shared that he has always been moved by Bustos’ story, which inspired him to turn it into a film.
“I was always moved by Mark’s story when I first heard it and throughout the years, and I’ve been following his philanthropy work and I thought to myself, it’s stories like these that are real that push me to do what I do as a film director and I thought that in crazy times of volatility and chaos in the world, the world needs to hear more hidden heroes like Mark,” he explained.
Soriano also expressed hope that Bustos’ journey will inspire others to find their purpose and give back to their communities through the film.
“This is more than a haircut—this is about human connection. We’re telling a story that reminds us how small acts of kindness can transform lives,” he added.
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