Hair Love

Hair Love poster

Hair Love is a 2019 American animated short film that tells the heartwarming story of an African American father, Stephen, learning to do his daughter Zuri's hair for the first time. The film was directed by Matthew A. Cherry, who also co-wrote it with Karen Rupert Toliver. It aims to promote positive representations of African American fathers and families, challenging the stereotypes and showcasing the beauty of African American hair.

Plot

The narrative of Hair Love revolves around a young girl named Zuri and her father, Stephen. Zuri is determined to style her hair into a perfect hairstyle to welcome her mother home. However, with her mother absent, Zuri relies on her father to help create the hairstyle. Despite having no experience with hair, Stephen embarks on the task with determination. The story unfolds with a series of humorous and touching attempts by Stephen to master the art of his daughter's hair, showcasing the bond between father and daughter. The film culminates in a touching moment that highlights the themes of love, perseverance, and family.

Production

Hair Love originated from a Kickstarter campaign launched by Matthew A. Cherry in 2017. It set out to challenge the mainstream media's often negative portrayal of African American families and to celebrate natural hair. The campaign was a significant success, raising over $300,000 and becoming one of the highest-funded short film projects on the platform at the time. This overwhelming support highlighted the public's desire for more diverse representations in animation.

The film's animation was produced by Lion Forge Animation and Sony Pictures Animation. It features a score that complements the narrative's emotional depth, enhancing the overall impact of the story.

Reception

Upon its release, Hair Love received widespread acclaim for its animation, storytelling, and positive representation of African American culture. It won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film at the 92nd Academy Awards. Critics and audiences alike praised the film for its heartwarming narrative, beautiful animation, and its successful challenge to stereotypes.

Impact

Beyond its success as a film, Hair Love has sparked conversations about the importance of representation in media, the beauty of natural hair, and the dismantling of racial stereotypes. It has been used in educational settings to teach children about diversity and acceptance. The film also inspired a children's book of the same name, written by Matthew A. Cherry, further extending its reach and impact.

See Also

• African American culture
• Representation (media)
• Natural hair movement
• Stereotypes of African Americans