MTV STAYING ALIVE FOUNDATION AND PARAMOUNT PRESENT IN BLOOM
An unique anthology of 5 compelling short films on complexities of gender issues 5 female film-makers from different countries builds the series
Priyanka Banerjee from India presents ALTA part of IN BLOOM series
News Editor, Takmaa News, Kolkata, 22nd Mar 2024 : MTV Staying Alive Foundation, Paramount Global and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, announced the release of IN BLOOM. A unique anthology of five compelling short films spanning countries and cultures, IN BLOOM delves into the complexities of gender issues following characters on the brink of life defining moments, by choice or circumstance. The collection tells unheard stories addressing a range of crucial issues including period poverty, child marriage, gender-based violence, HIV self-stigma, family planning and womens economic empowerment.
IN BLOOM brings together five upcoming female filmmakers from Nigeria, Kenya, India, the US and Brazil. The series aims to creatively champion new voices and enable insightful conversations to dismantle systemic injustices in support of the UNs Sustainable Development Goal Number 5: Gender Equality.
IN BLOOM, with creative lead Tope Oshin, Nigerian TV & Film Director and sitting Board Member of UN Live, features a variety of stories and international talent. It includes Period by Nicole Teeny (USA), featuring Yasmina El-Abd; Alta by Priyanka Banerjee (India), featuring Mazel Vyas; Maré by Giuliana Monteiro (Brazil), featuring Vanessa Giácomo; Kifungo by VolineOgutu (Kenya) featuring Brenda Wairimu; and Aféfé, by Dolapo LowlaDee Adeleke (Nigeria) and featuring Folu Storms. Apart from Paramount+ IN BLOOM will also be available on Pluto TV globally, and on YouTube..
Priyanka Banerjee is the creative force behind the highly anticipated short film “Alta,” part of InBloom which is set to release on YouTube on March 23rd. This compelling narrative promises to offer audiences a thought-provoking exploration of early marriage and personal identity, with themes that resonate deeply in today’s world.
Priyanka Banerjee’s recent success at the Filmfare Awards, where she received recognition in the People’s Choice category for her film “Devi,” further underscores her talent and relevance in the industry.
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, IN BLOOM is produced by MTV Staying Alive Foundation and distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
IN BLOOM builds upon Paramounts 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. Paramount recently released the new results of its study Reflecting Me, which showcases audience perceptions of the state of on-screen representation and diversity. The study shows that women feel its important to see accurate, reflective representations of themselves on-screen, and the media industry is seen as a strong opportunity to commit to making a change and improving representation both on- and off-screen. Featuring a collection of shorts created by female filmmakers, IN BLOOM contributes on increasing women representation on- and off- screen, challenging the way audiences and society perceive gender inequality.
Synopsis:
Five compelling short films that delve into the complexities of gender issues following characters on the brink of life defining moments, whether by choice or circumstance, featuring:
Period written and directedby 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 directedby 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 directedby 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 directedby VolineOgutu: An ambitious romantic struggles with self-acceptance after finding out that she is HIV positive. Genre: Psychological Horror, Language: Swahili, English, Cast: Brenda Wairimu
Aféfé written and directedby 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
Sharing the link of the film for your reference – https://app.shift.io/review/65f2a91dc20bbe7024ca0bd9/f86c97bc-e5a9-48fb-8630-0edb56aecd32
