In partnership with Paramount Global and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this initiative aims to promote new voices and discussions to address systemic injustices, supporting the United Nations’ gender equality goal. Tope Oshin, a Nigerian TV and film director and UN Live board member, led the project creatively.
The films were directed by female filmmakers from Nigeria, Kenya, India, the US, and Brazil, covering various issues like period poverty, child marriage, gender-based violence, HIV and AIDS stigma, family planning, and women’s economic empowerment.
Folu Storms stars in the Nigerian episode “Aféfé,” written and directed by Adeleke, which follows the story of a beautician whose life changes dramatically when her elderly and ailing mother-in-law unexpectedly moves in.
🟢⚡️JUST IN: Nigerian filmmaker Dolapo Lola Adeleke (LowlaDee) is making a comeback to our screens with the short film – Aféfé
>> Aféfé, by LowlaDee (Nigeria), featuring Folu Storms is part of “In Bloom” a 5 part anthology of compelling short films produced by MTV Staying Alive… pic.twitter.com/QFIXEnsmJq
— S H ⚡ C K ! (@Shockng) February 27, 2024
Additionally, there’s a comedy-drama called “Period,” written and directed by Nicole Teeny from the US, portraying Fay’s journey to obtain menstrual products when she cannot afford them.
“In the Bengali drama “Alta,” written and directed by Priyanka Banerjee from India, a rebellious teenager (Mazel Vyas) who refuses to leave the bathroom prompts her desperate father to seek assistance, leading to a revealing twist in their relationship.
In the Portuguese social realist drama “Maré,” written and directed by Giuliana Monteiro from Brazil, a mother (Vanessa Giácomo) on the brink of despair seeks refuge from her tumultuous life circumstances.
Lastly, in the Swahili psychological horror “Kifungo,” written and directed by Voline Ogutu from Kenya, an ambitious romantic (Brenda Wairimu) grapples with self-acceptance after discovering her HIV-positive status.
The series will premiere on Paramount+ on March 1, 2024, in various countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, Australia, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Japan, and South Korea, coinciding with Women’s History Month.
Furthermore, it will debut on Pluto TV globally and air on MTV international channels. On March 8, 2024, International Women’s Day, it will premiere on BET in Africa.
Following this, the series will have premieres in India and Africa on YouTube, followed by distribution by a global content distributor.
Watch the trailer below:
