The breakthrough film “Hair Love” was just nominated for an Oscar for Best Animated Short. But did you know that the story of an African-American father and daughter bonding as he learns how to style her hair was funded through Kickstarter?
“This story was born out of seeing a lack of representation in mainstream animated projects, and also wanting to promote hair love amongst young men and women of color,” according to the film’s website.
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“Hair Love” was originally published as an illustrated book in May and was on The New York Times’ bestseller list. The film hit theaters in August. The film version was created by former NFL wide receiver Matthew A. Cherry, who now makes and produces films. He also recently executive produced the Oscar-nominated “BlackKklansman.”
After a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign two years ago to raise funds, Cherry partnered with Sony Pictures Animation for the short film, Deadline reported.
According to the Kickstarter website, Cherry raised $284,058 via 4,981 backers.
In addition to Cherry, some of Hollywood’s biggest names went into the creation of “Hair Love.” Issa Rae is the single voice in the film. Producers include Jordan Peele, Yara and Keri Shahidi, Gabrielle Union-Wade, Dwayne Wade Jr., Gabourey Sidibe, Peter Ramsey (‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’), and Frank Abney (‘Toy Story 4’), The Hill reported.
