Paramount has revealed that a series of five captivating short films titled “IN BLOOM” is set to debut on Friday, March 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day. This unique anthology, produced in collaboration with the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and with generous support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, traverses diverse countries and cultures to explore the intricate nuances of gender-related challenges. Each film centers around characters at pivotal junctures in their lives, grappling with decisions that shape their futures, whether by choice or circumstance.

IN BLOOM sheds light on previously untold narratives, tackling a spectrum of pressing issues such as menstrual poverty, forced marriage, gender-based violence, HIV-related stigma, family planning, and women’s empowerment in the economic sphere. These thought-provoking stories are brought to life by five talented female filmmakers hailing from Nigeria, Kenya, India, the United States, and Brazil. Through their creative vision, they champion fresh perspectives and foster meaningful dialogues aimed at dismantling systemic inequalities.

The five films are:

• Period – written and directed by Nicole Teeny: 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. Genre: Comedy Drama, Language: English, Cast: Yasmina El-Abd
• Alta – written and directed by Priyanka Banerjee: 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. Genre: Drama, Language: Bengali, Cast: Mazel Vyas
• Maré – written and directed by Giuliana Monteiro: A mother on the edge of her sanity seeks solace from a tumultuous life situation. Genre: Drama/ Social-realism, Language: Portuguese, English, Cast: Vanessa Giácomo
• Kifungo – written and directed by Voline Ogutu: An ambitious romantic struggle with self-acceptance after finding out that she is HIV positive. Genre: Psychological Horror, Language: Swahili, English, Cast: Brenda Wairimu
• Aféfé – written and directed by Dolapo ‘LowlaDee’ Adeleke: When her elderly and ailing mother-in-law moves in unexpectedly, life for an impassioned local beautician takes a frightening turn. Genre: Drama, Language: Yoruba, Nigerian Pidgin, English, Cast: Folu Storms

IN BLOOM will also premiere on BET, DStv Channel 129 on March 8 at 20:00 CAT. The anthology will also be available on the In Bloom YouTube Channel in India and Africa, with the release of one short film weekly from 9 March. Alongside the 5 female directors, IN BLOOM is executive produced by Georgia Arnold, Richard Chang-Warburton and Sara Piot for MTV Staying Alive Foundation.

Monde Twala, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Paramount Africa & Lead BET International said “We are incredibly proud to bring the anthology ‘In Bloom’ to African audiences on International Women’s Day. This collection of compelling short films, emphasises the diverse experiences and challenges faced by women globally. The stories delve into issues that resonate deeply in our communities. Through these narratives, we aim to spark conversations, raise awareness, and inspire action towards a more inclusive society by amplifying the voices of women whose stories are too often unheard. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating these remarkable films and the women behind them.”
 
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.”

The anthology builds upon Paramount’s commitment to make gender equity a focus across the entire ecosystem, a shared journey that the company started long ago, leading to an increased representation of women in leading roles across its content.