By a Hair
Director: Anthony Prince Leslie
United States, 2025, 10 min
Shooting Format:35mm (4 perf)
Festival Year:2025
Category:Narrative Short
Genre:Romance
Cast:Siddiq Saunderson, Alfie Fuller, Corey Knight, Marcus Callender, Karina Milan, Kalyne Coleman, Vlad Calixte
Crew:Writer: Anthony Prince Leslie. Producer: Ashley Cimone Leslie.
Email:letswork@equator.studio
Web:rb.gy/f2n85g
Synopsis
By A Hair is a story about missed connections and the unpredictable hand of fate. Inez and Sean, two city dwellers navigating the mess of modern dating, find themselves on the verge of meeting over and over but just missing each other every time. As their daily lives unfold against the backdrop of Brooklyn, the film explores how timing, chance, and choice shape their chances of finding each other and love.
About the director
Anthony Prince Leslie is a Brooklyn native and filmmaker whose work is deeply rooted in the rhythm and storytelling traditions of New York. His creative journey began with skateboarding, capturing the raw energy of the streets, before expanding into media, where he honed his craft for over a decade. His foundation in the arts runs deep, having studied classical dance and theatre as a teen, shaping his distinctive approach to movement, narrative, and visual storytelling.
As the founder of Equator Studios, Anthony is committed to expanding the cultural landscape of media and contributing to the canon of New York storytelling, capturing its grit, beauty, and complexity. Inspired by cinematic icons like Spike Lee and Martin Scorsese, he is committed to carrying the torch for a new generation of filmmakers who see New York not just as a setting but as a character, force, and legacy in itself. Through film and media, Anthony is shaping an artistic movement, capturing the influence, collective consciousness, and legacy of today’s creative leaders to redefine how they are remembered for generations to come.
Filmmaker's note
This project draws inspiration from the serendipitous way my wife and I met. It felt as though we were orbiting each other for years, yet our paths never crossed. It was through our shared involvement in the fashion community that we finally connected. We often reminisce about our similar experiences and shared interests, wondering how we never met in other settings. This project is my way of reimagining those missed opportunities, capturing the feeling that we narrowly missed each other, “By a Hair.”
My research into Greek mythology led me to the story of Zeus, who, fearing the power of a complete human, split them in two, destined to find their other half. This concept resonates with the idea of finding your other half. The film explores intimacy and Caribbean culture in Brooklyn during the early 2000s. Brooklyn is a melting pot of west indians from around the globe, infusing lingo, fashion, and music into a worldly story.
During production, I faced challenges while managing a tight schedule. Filming the full short film across only two days was a challenge, in addition to managing financial constraints which required a fast-paced and resourceful approach. Shooting on 35mm film demanded careful planning and conservative takes, making blocking and practice essential. This allowed me to world build and then insert my perspective behind the camera. My stylistic approach was rooted in nostalgia, aiming to create a timeless feel through the film’s colors, costume design, and script.
Ultimately, I want the audience to leave the theater contemplating whether they’ve let “The One” slip away or if the “Right One” is the person they can’t stop thinking about after a fleeting encounter on the train, a street corner, or in a bar. My suggestion, just start with hello.
Thank you for your time and consideration.