From Short Film to Series: Matthew A. Cherry’s Journey with “Young Love”

In 2017, when visionary director and writer Matthew A. Cherry took to crowdfunding for his animated short, “Hair Love,” little did anyone predict that it would clinch an Oscar three years later. The tale’s resonance with audiences was unmistakable, leading to its blossoming into the much-anticipated 2023 animated series “Young Love.”

As the brains behind the concept, Cherry expressed enthusiasm about delving deeper into the lives of the beloved family from “Hair Love” in this 12-episode series, set to premiere on September 21. The poignant narrative of “Hair Love” centers around Stephen, a Black father, navigating the intricate world of hairstyling for his young daughter Zuri. With his wife Angela undergoing cancer treatment, Stephen turns to her YouTube hair tutorials (featuring the voice talents of “Insecure” star Issa Rae) to ace the challenge of creating the perfect hairstyle for Zuri.

“Young Love” embarks on a journey post Angela’s return from her medical ordeal. The series paints a vivid portrait of their multigenerational family’s experiences in Chicago, a backdrop close to Cherry’s heart, having been raised there.

As the series unfurls, audiences will recognize the vocal talents of familiar stars. Besides Issa Rae reprising her heartfelt role as Angela, the series boasts of voices from legends such as Loretta Devine and Sheryl Lee Ralph, and contemporary icons like Kid Cudi.

Cherry commented on the casting choices, highlighting the expanded family dynamic. “Our story now embraces the older generation as well, with the inclusion of the grandparents, voiced by the phenomenal Loretta Devine and Henry Lennix. And of course, Zuri now finds her voice, and we have Cudi voicing Stephen. Our aim is to craft a narrative that resonates across generations.”

For Matthew A. Cherry, the journey has been more than just storytelling. It’s been about instigating change, about amplifying underrepresented voices, particularly in the animation sector. “Art achieves its zenith when aligned with a genuine cause,” Cherry remarked, underlining the ethos that guides his work.

“Young Love” symbolizes yet another milestone in the expanding universe of “Hair Love.” The narrative, born as an animated short, has transcended media forms: it’s a New York Times bestseller, inspired a children’s haircare collection with Dove Kids, and significantly contributed to the momentum of the CROWN Act. This groundbreaking legislation endeavors to eradicate hair discrimination in the US, reinforcing that diversity isn’t just about representation on screens, but also about fostering inclusivity in everyday life.

As viewers await the premiere of “Young Love,” there’s a palpable excitement around how Cherry will further weave themes of love, family, and cultural pride, offering audiences not just a series, but a reflection of evolving societal norms and the importance of acceptance.

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