Paramount+ announced that an anthology of five compelling short films IN BLOOM, will premiere on the service globally on Friday, March 1. Available in tandem with International Women’s Day (Friday, March 8), the unique collection spans countries and cultures, delving into the complexities of gender issues following characters on the brink of life defining moments, by choice or circumstance.
IN BLOOM has been produced by MTV Staying Alive Foundation with continued support of Paramount Global and grant support by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The thought-provoking collection tells unheard stories addressing a range of crucial issues including period poverty, child marriage, gender-based violence, HIV self-stigma, family planning and women’s economic empowerment. The anthology comes from five female filmmakers from Nigeria, Kenya, India, the US and Brazil, creatively championing new voices and enabling insightful conversations to dismantle systemic injustices.
Wame Jallow, Executive Director, MTV Staying Alive Foundations says, “In Bloom marks an exciting new phase in the work of MTV Staying Alive Foundation on gender equality. Our experience tells us that working in partnership with the communities we serve, is the best way to achieve impact and change in the world. These important narratives and the way they were made have already enabled thought-provoking reflections on gender within the team involved in their creation. In Bloom connects the dots and brings to light ‘silent pandemics’ that affect not just women and girls, but our global communities and I can’t wait for the films to be shared with audiences everywhere.”
Crystal Barnes, Executive Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) at Paramount said: “Paramount’s Content for Change initiative aims to amplify the stories and voices of underrepresented audiences around the world, and In Bloom does just that, by tackling critical, gender-based issues through the creative lens of dynamic female talents. This collection of films is a true testament to our ongoing commitment to improving diversity, equity and inclusion both on and off screen.”
The five films are:
● Period: Like many of her classmates at her underserved school, Fay cannot afford menstrual products, so she sets out on a crusade to get them for free. Written and directed by Nicole Teeny, featuring Yasmina El-Abd.
● Alta: A defiant teenager refusing to come out of the bathroom forces her helpless father to seek help to reason with the girl, but things take a turn when their true relationship is revealed. Written and directed by Priyanka Banerjee, featuring Mazel Vyas.
● Maré: A mother on the edge of her sanity seeks solace from a tumultuous life situation. Written and directed by Giuliana Monteiro, featuring Vanessa Giácomo.
● Kifungo: An ambitious romantic struggles with self-acceptance after finding out that she is HIV positive. written and directed by Voline Ogutu, featuring Brenda Wairimu.
● Aféfé: When her elderly and ailing mother-in-law moves in unexpectedly, life for an impassioned local beautician takes a frightening turn. Written and directed by Dolapo ‘LowlaDee’ Adeleke, featuring Folu Storms.
