Cheryl Bookout

Cheri Gaulke

Nick Lieberman, Cinematographer

Jeff Hafler

Enter a pastel dreamland of 3,000 vintage beauty artifacts in the desert community of Joshua Tree, California and meet “America’s hairstorian” Jeff Hafler as he struggles to keep his roadside attraction afloat during a remarkable year that changes his life and the lives of his husband and son.

Dances with Films

Thomas Edison Film Festival

Hafler’s family life with partner Mikal and son Cash as well as the micro-impacts of political and social shifts in this period with a lush cinematography by Nick Lieberman that plays up the sugary colour scheme, making Inside the Beauty Bubble a highlight.

Maryam Philpott

The desert’s full of weird shit, right? That’s why it’s a rich seam of cinematic gold and the short doc INSIDE THE BEAUTY BUBBLE follows in the august tradition of outrageous American roadside attractions.

Brad Auerbach

Nevada City Film Festival which brings honor to our county. The last night of the festival, they showed the favorites, especially “Inside the Beauty Bubble.” Ya gotta see it.

Audience Member

ndyfilms@gmail.com

Bookout directed the award-winning short documentary "Inside the Beauty Bubble" and is directing the feature-length documentary "Moving Like Pond Water" (2025).. She is a co-producer for the feature-length documentary, "Acting Like Women" directed by Cheri Gaulke. Her credits include producer for the award-winning short films "Just a Friend" (2023) "Gloria's Call" (2019) , "PURE" (2019) and "I Am Be" (2017). In 2026 Bookout is directing a proof of concept short film for her sci-fi project, "Women of Steel."
