Sony Pictures is set to make history with the release of a new animated film that celebrates the uniqueness of black hair.
Chicago-bred film director and “BlacKkKlansman” executive producer, Matthew A. Cherry joined forces with Sony Pictures Animation to bring the film “Hair Love” to life, Deadline reports. The announcement of the film comes two years after Cherry launched a crowdfunding campaign to get the movie made.
Sony Animation Picks Up ‘Hair Love’ Short From ‘BlacKkKlansman’ EP Matthew A. Cherry https://t.co/ybx3oNCzHb pic.twitter.com/u9sEZNTlEj
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) March 20, 2019
The story centers around a Black father named Stephen who attempts to do his daughter Zuri’s hair for the first time. While doing her hair, Stephen gets a better understanding of his daughter’s hair and encourages her to embrace her natural curls and coils.
Cherry uses the film to promote hair positivity among Black children and also break down negative stereotypes about Black fatherhood. He says he was inspired to create the film after seeing viral videos of Black fathers attempting to do their children’s hair.
“It was important to get this story out there and we are so grateful to Sony Pictures Animation for their generous support in helping us make that happen,” said Cherry in a statement. “They have championed it from its early stages and we cannot wait to share the project with the world.”
The film is slated to be released later this year with the “Hair Love” book releasing on May 14 by Kokila Books/Penguin Random House.
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