Gender Inequality Short Film Collection Sets Premiere

In Bloom, a collection of five short films exploring the complexities of gender issues, will premiere globally on March 1.

The title will debut on Paramount+ and Pluto TV, after which Paramount will distribute the rights free to third-party platforms via its Global Content Distribution arm to maximize reach and impact.

Creatively lead by Tope Oshin, a Nigerian TV and film director and sitting board member of UN Live, the collection features a variety of stories and international talent. It includes “Period” by Nicole Teeny (U.S.), “Alta” by Priyanka Banerjee (India), “Maré” by Giuliana Monteiro (Brazil), “Kifungo” by Voline Ogutu (Kenya) and “Aféfé” by Dolapo ‘LowlaDee’ Adeleke (Nigeria).

Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, In Bloom is produced by the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.

Wame Jallow, executive director of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, said: “In Bloom marks an exciting new phase in the work of the 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 VP 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.”