Matthew A. Cherry
award-winning director, writer, and producer.
Matthew A. Cherry is an award-winning director, writer, and producer. His animated short film, HAIR LOVE, follows the relationship of an African-American father, his daughter, and her hair. It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2020. Notably, he raised over $280K on Kickstarter to make the award-winning short film. Later, HAIR LOVE was adapted into a picture book for Penguin Random House. Upon its release in May 2019, it became a New York Times Bestseller and earned nominations for a Goodreads Choice Award and an NAACP Image Award. In 2020, Matthew was listed as one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business and Fortune’s 40 Under 40 in Media…
Categories :
Full Bio
Matthew A. Cherry is an award-winning director, writer, and producer. His animated short film, HAIR LOVE, follows the relationship of an African-American father, his daughter, and her hair. It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2020. Notably, he raised over $280K on Kickstarter to make the award-winning short film. Later, HAIR LOVE was adapted into a picture book for Penguin Random House. Upon its release in May 2019, it became a New York Times Bestseller and earned nominations for a Goodreads Choice Award and an NAACP Image Award. In 2020, Matthew was listed as one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business and Fortune’s 40 Under 40 in Media and Entertainment.
Having consulted for MonkeyPaw and executive produced Spike Lee’s highly acclaimed BLACKKKLANSMAN, Matthew has also directed multiple episodes of television, including the Valentine’s Day episode of ABC’s “Black-ish” and “Mixed-ish”.
Additionally, Matthew’s first feature film, THE LAST FALL, was inspired by his own experiences playing in the NFL and starred Lance Gross and Nicole Beharie. It debuted at SXSW and made its television premiere on BET. His second film, 9 RIDES, debuted at SXSW. This ambitious and stylized film was shot for under $20,000 using iPhone technology.
Matthew is also an accomplished music video director, having directed videos for many artists, including Michelle Williams, Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, Snoop Dogg, and Common. At the 2015 Stellar Gospel Music Awards, Matthew took home the Music Video of the Year award for Michelle William’s “Say Yes,” which featured Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
An evening with Matthew A. Cherry
Videos
Matthew A. Cherry - From NFL Player to Oscar-Nominated Filmmaker with “Hair Love” | The Daily Show
9 Rides Official Trailer
News
Testimonials
GET IDEAS
1 HOUR OR LESS
