Oscar-Winner Matthew A. Cherry Launches Kickstarter for New Animated Short ‘Time Signature,’ Blending Music, Magic, and Legacy
*Academy Award-winning filmmaker and New York Times bestselling author Matthew A. Cherry has returned to Kickstarter to launch his newest project, “Time Signature,” a 2D animated musical short that explores themes of legacy, identity, and the generational power of Black creativity.
Cherry, best known for his record-breaking and Oscar-winning short “Hair Love,” is once again inviting fans and supporters to help bring a vision to life that is deeply rooted in cultural storytelling. His previous campaign for “Hair Love” raised over $284,000, becoming the most-funded animated short in Kickstarter history.
“I’m incredibly excited to bring Time Signature to life—a story that means so much to me,” Cherry shared. “It celebrates the richness of Black music and honors the legacy of Black women who’ve carried love, strength, and tradition through generations. At its core, this film is about Black joy, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family. The support from the Kickstarter community truly means everything to me.”
A Story Fueled by Music and Magical Realism
In “Time Signature,” Cherry weaves magical realism with multi-generational storytelling. The narrative centers around Melody, a teenage musical prodigy grappling with writer’s block before a major audition. Discouraged by her pragmatic mother, she retreats to the attic and discovers an unfinished piece of music hidden inside her late grandmother’s piano.
When Melody plays the mysterious composition, she’s transported through a series of time loops, experiencing pivotal musical moments in her family’s history. The film aims to explore how creative inheritance, particularly through Black music, can connect past, present, and future.
The short will also serve as a proof of concept for a feature-length version of “Time Signature.”
Building on the Legacy of Hair Love and Young Love
Following the global success of “Hair Love,” which celebrated the beauty of Black hair and family connection, Cherry continued to build out its universe. In 2023, he premiered Young Love, a 12-episode animated series on Max created in collaboration with Sony Pictures Animation.
The impact of “Hair Love” extended far beyond screens and pages, culminating in the launch of the Dove Kids Care Hair Love collection, hair care products designed to inspire self-love and confidence in children.
A Visionary Career Rooted in Storytelling
A former NFL wide receiver turned filmmaker, Cherry has built an impressive creative resume. His 2012 debut feature “The Last Fall,” inspired by his football career, premiered at SXSW. He later directed the iPhone-shot indie film 9 Rides and worked on critically acclaimed television series like “Abbott Elementary,” “Black-ish,” “Saved By The Bell,” and “The Wonder Years.”
Cherry has also directed music videos for artists including Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, Snoop Dogg, and Common, earning a Stellar Award for Michelle Williams’ “Say Yes” featuring Beyoncé and Rowland.
In 2020, he was named one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business and was included on Fortune’s 40 Under 40 in Media and Entertainment.
Kickstarter Campaign Now Live
The Kickstarter campaign for “Time Signature” is officially live. Supporters can contribute to help fund production and become part of the next chapter in Cherry’s storytelling legacy.
For Cherry, this isn’t just about animation, it’s about continuing a cultural movement through music, memory, and Black excellence.
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