Kickstart This: "Hair Love"

One of the best things about crowdfunding is that it is able to demonstrate that there is a hunger from audiences for more diverse stories. It can allow people from underrepresented communities make headway in an industry that is undeniably still dominated by white men. This is perfectly represented by Hair Love, an incredibly charming looking animated short pitch from Matthew A Cherry.

This is fairly unusual in Kickstarters we've featured in that it has already surpassed its initial goal of  $75,000, with (at the time of writing) 20 days still to go. However, having passed $100,000 the project is trying to reach a stretch-goal of $200,000 to make the film the best they can be.



Cherry is new to animation but is co-directing with Jason Marino the talented 3D artist/animator behind the short Tamara.  The 5 minute short will feature an African-American father attempting to do his young daughter's hair for the first time.

"This story was born out of seeing a lack of representation in mainstream animated projects," Cherry explains, " and also wanting to promote hair love amongst young men and women of colour. It is our hope that this project will inspire.". You can check out some of the beautiful concept art below.

"Through this project, it is my hope that we can show a positive image of black fathers and their daughters while encouraging natural hair and self-love throughout the world through the animated space"

The characters are designed by the amazing artist Vashti Harrison, and Peter Ramsey (director of Rise Of The Guardians) is on board as Executive producer.

Rewards include (appropriately enough) hair pins, children's books, artbooks, T-shirts, Posters and more.  A $20 Pledge will get you a digital download of the finished film.

If you want to help make this project a reality head over to the campaign page today. The campaign runs until 8:00 PM Pacific Time on August 9.