Matthew A. Cherry’s Short Film “Hair Love” Celebrates the Bond Between Father and

The animated short film Hair Love is based on Matthew A. Cherry’s children’s picture book of the same title. Hair Love is a humorous, heartfelt story about the bond between Zuri and her father as they undergo the tribulations of hairstyling in her mother’s absence. The team of directors includes Matthew A. Cherry, Everett Downing Jr., and Bruce W. Smith. The short film is also written by Cherry and features the vocal talents of Issa Rae.

The charming character design is as endearing as this soon-to-be a classic story of parental love. The major highlight is an African American father being an active participant in his daughter’s life and the catalyst for empowering her with the ability to recognize her worth. This beautiful rendering counters some racial stereotypes surrounding African American males and the hair beauty standards for African American females. It’s easy to see why Cherry’s book earned a spot on The New York Times Bestseller’s list.

You can watch the full 5 minute short film in the movie theaters before Angry Birds.

Photo Credit: Teen Vogue (Courtesy of Sony Pictures Animation)