In 2017, filmmaker Matthew A. Cherry could hardly have anticipated the trajectory his animated short, “Hair Love,” would take. Initiated through a crowdfunding campaign, it went on to clinch an Oscar by 2020 and further evolve into the 2023 Max series, “Young Love.”
Cherry, as the visionary behind the series, is enthusiastic about extending the narrative of the family showcased in “Young Love.” The show is set to debut on September 21, spanning 12 episodes.
Cherry expressed to Reuters, “The connection audiences felt with the silent world of the short film is seamlessly carried forward into the series.”
“Hair Love” delves into the tale of a Black father, Stephen, grappling with the task of styling his daughter Zuri’s hair for the first time, while his wife, Angela, undergoes cancer treatment. Angela, portrayed by “Insecure” star Issa Rae, is a hairstylist who produces YouTube hair tutorials. Guided by these videos, Stephen, voiced by Cherry, eventually becomes adept at creating hairstyles.
“Young Love” resumes the narrative post-Angela’s treatment, offering a glimpse into the lives of a multi-generational family in Chicago – Cherry’s hometown. Apart from Rae’s comeback as Angela, the voiceover ensemble boasts big names like Loretta Devine, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Kid Cudi.
Cherry elaborated, “We introduced grandparents into the multi-generational mix, played by Loretta Devine and Henry Lennix. Zuri has found her voice, and Stephen is brought to life by Cudi. We’ve aimed for a show that resonates across generations.”
For Cherry, championing broader representation in animation and other mediums has been a cornerstone ambition. “Art achieves its zenith when linked to a genuine cause,” he remarked.
“Young Love” represents yet another extension of the “Hair Love” narrative. The latter has already been transformed into a New York Times bestseller, inspired the Dove Kids Hair Love collection, and played a pivotal role in endorsing the CROWN Act, legislation designed to eradicate hair-based discrimination in the U.S.
Matthew A. Cherry’s journey from “Hair Love” to “Young Love” underscores the transformative power of storytelling. By delving into genuine family experiences and pushing for representation, Cherry reminds us that animation can both entertain and advocate for change. As the world tunes in to “Young Love,” it’s clear that stories about love, resilience, and identity will always find a place in our hearts.