Mar 21, 2019

Sony Animation Successfully Kickstarts Matthew A. Cherry's "Hair Love"

After the huge success of the bold "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," Sony Pictures Animation has found the courage to try something new.

Sony Pictures Animation (SPA) has partnered with former NFL player turned director Matthew A. Cherry to adapt his animated short "Hair Love" into a film. The news was first reported by Deadline.

"Over the past year, it has become clear that audiences are eager to see fresh stories that are universal and culturally authentic," SPA president Christine Belson said in a statement on Cherry's Kickstarter page. Hair Love is a wonderful father-daughter story, and we are proud to nurture talented young filmmakers like Matthew who are breaking new ground."

Since its inception, "Hair Love" has proven to have a dedicated following; in 2017, Cherry and co-director Everett Downing launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the short film, ultimately on crowdfunding platforms, The film raised $300,000, the highest amount ever raised for a short film, whether animated or live-action.

The short film is about an African American father who grooms his young daughter's hair for the first time, and how this seemingly mundane act boosts her self-esteem and strengthens their bond. Animation is no exception, and with the need for representation and diverse storytelling becoming more and more prominent throughout the entertainment industry, this story is one for the ages. [Hair Love is produced by Karen Tolliver, Cherry, Stacy Newton and Monica A. Young, Senior Vice Presidents of Creative Development at Sony Pictures Animation, with Frank Abney and Peter Ramsey serving as Executive Producers. Frank Abney and Peter Ramsey will serve as executive producers. Ramsey was one of three directors on Sony's Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

After his football playing days, Cherry directed several television projects, including The Red Line and Whiskey Cavalier; in 2016, he directed his first feature film, titled 9 Rides, and last year directed Spike Lee's BlacKkKlansman,"

Sony intends to release "Hair Love" theatrically later this year, which will set up for the awards season at the end of 2019.

Hair Love will also be released by Kokila Books/Penguin Random House on May 14 as a children's book illustrated by Vashti Harrison.