Spotlighting Kifungo on World Aids Day, a Kenyan short film exploring HIV self-stigma, shame and mental health. Watch on the OFFICIAL In Bloom YouTube channel!
In Bloom is a collection of 5 short films from around the world telling unexpected, unheard stories exploring the imbalance of gender complexities to evoke divergent thinking.
The content supports UN Sustainable Development Goal no.5 : to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls and is funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!
Everybody’s Fight: An In Bloom Series : Choices | In Bloom
Anti-abortion laws have resulted in bans or restrictions in nearly two dozen states. Independent clinics, where most abortion care happens, have shifted gears and moved to states where abortion is protected. Distance is the new hurdle in the fight to keep abortion safe and legal. Patients travel further than ever to get abortion care, while those committed to providing access use ingenuity, grit and a village of eager volunteers to keep providing abortion care.
Choices, directed by Raeshem Nijhon and produced by Culture House and MTV Staying Alive Foundation, highlights the resilience of those committed to safeguarding reproductive freedom.
Everybody’s Fight: An In Bloom Series on Reproductive Freedom is executive produced by Karlie Kloss and Phoebe Gates.
In Bloom is a collection of 5 short films from around the world telling unexpected, unheard stories exploring the imbalance of gender complexities to evoke divergent thinking.
The content supports UN Sustainable Development Goal no.5 : to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls and is funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!
Everybody's Fight: An In Bloom Series on Reproductive Freedom | In Bloom
A compelling series of films that blends narrative stories with real-life accounts, highlighting both those most impacted by reproductive freedom restrictions and those chronicling the fight on the frontlines in the U.S.
Everybody’s Fight: An In Bloom Series on Reproductive Freedom is executive produced by Karlie Kloss and Phoebe Gates and the MTV Stayling Alive Foundation.
In Bloom is a collection of 5 short films from around the world telling unexpected, unheard stories exploring the imbalance of gender complexities to evoke divergent thinking.
The content supports UN Sustainable Development Goal no.5 : to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls and is funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!
In Bloom is a collection of 5 short films from around the world telling unexpected, unheard stories exploring the imbalance of gender complexities to evoke divergent thinking.
The content supports UN Sustainable Development Goal no.5 : to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls and is funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!
Creators House Las Vegas was one for the books! We brought meaningful conversations around civic engagement, mental health and wellness, Latinx fandom and LGBTQIA+ representation in sports – during one of the biggest sports moments – Super Bowl LVIII. These conversations are necessary in order to continue collaborating and creating inclusive and diverse Content For Change.
Special thanks to all our partners for making this night epic! Including our Creators House presenting partner United Way and additional partners/sponsors — NFL, Mielle, The Female Quotient, Next Gen Education Fund, and Microsoft — and a huge thank you to all of our panelists and guests!
Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!
Maré explores the devastating reality of gender-based violence, and how much it impacts the daily lives of survivors.
Maré Premieres this Saturday at 7 PM WAT / 23:30 IST on @InBloomStories YouTube (Africa and India Only)
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
#InBloom | Making #Mare | In Bloom
Shooting Maré was an incredible journey filled with lots of emotions; here, we take a look back at the process of making the short film from our #InBloom collection.
In Bloom is a collection of 5 short films from around the world telling unexpected, unheard stories exploring the imbalance of gender complexities to evoke divergent thinking.
The content supports UN Sustainable Development Goal no.5 : to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls and is funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!
Kifungo powerfully depicts Amina's fight against HIV stigma.
Premiering this Saturday at 7pm WAT / 11:30pm IST on YouTube (Africa and India Only)
Kifungo – written and directed by Voline Ogutu: An ambitious, romantic struggles with self-acceptance after finding out that she is HIV positive. Genre: Psychological Horror, Language: Swahili, English, Cast: Brenda Wairimu
In Bloom is a collection of 5 short films from around the world telling unexpected, unheard stories exploring the imbalance of gender complexities to evoke divergent thinking.
The content supports UN Sustainable Development Goal no.5 : to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls and is funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!
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
#InBloom | Making #Alta | In Bloom
Join us as we unpack the creative process in making 'Alta', from the #InBloom collection.
#MTVStayingAlive #MTVSAF
In Bloom is a collection of 5 short films from around the world telling unexpected, unheard stories exploring the imbalance of gender complexities to evoke divergent thinking.
The content supports UN Sustainable Development Goal no.5 : to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls and is funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!
3,2,1, action! The second short film from the #InBloom collection is premiering this Saturday (March 16)! 🎦🎥
'Period' was written and directed by Nicole Teeny and features Yasmina El-Abd in the lead role.
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.
#InBloom | Making #Period | In Bloom
Lights, Camera, Action!
Strap in for a journey behind the scenes in the making of the short film Period, from the In Bloom collection.
In Bloom is a collection of 5 short films from around the world telling unexpected, unheard stories exploring the imbalance of gender complexities to evoke divergent thinking.
The content supports UN Sustainable Development Goal no.5 : to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls and is funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!
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.
#InBloom | Making #Afefe | In Bloom
Step behind the scenes into the making of 'Afefe'!
Take a step behind the scenes to catch a glimpse of our creative process in the making of the first film from the #inBloom collection.
In Bloom is a collection of 5 short films from around the world telling unexpected, unheard stories exploring the imbalance of gender complexities to evoke divergent thinking.
The content supports UN Sustainable Development Goal no.5 : to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls and is funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!
MTV STAYING ALIVE FOUNDATION AND PARAMOUNT PRESENT IN BLOOM, PREMIERING ON MARCH 1 GLOBALLY ON PARAMOUNT+, PLUTO TV, AND PARAMOUNT’S INTERNATIONAL LINEAR CHANNELS
Spotlighted by MTV Staying Alive Foundation with Grant Support from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Global Anthology of Short Films Is Created By Female Filmmakers And Explores Gender Narratives, Building Upon Paramount’s Content For Change Initiative to Produce Socially Responsible and Entertaining Content That Inspires Change
Following The Premiere, Paramount’s Global Content Distribution Will Distribute Rights Free for Third Party Platforms to Maximize Reach And Impact
26 February 2024: MTV Staying Alive Foundation, Paramount Global (NASDAQ: PARA, PARAA), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, announced today the upcoming 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 women’s economic empowerment.
As a part of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation's mission of storytelling to change lives and Paramount’s “Content For Change” initiative, 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 UN’s 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 Voline Ogutu (Kenya) featuring Brenda Wairimu; and “Aféfé,” by Dolapo ‘LowlaDee’ Adeleke (Nigeria) and featuring Folu Storms.
In celebration of Women’s History Month and just ahead of International Women’s Day, the anthology is set to premiere on Paramount+ on March 1 across the US, the UK, Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, Australia, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Japan and South Korea. On the same day, IN BLOOM will also premiere on Pluto TV globally, and roll out across MTV international linear channels prior to its March 8, International Women’s Day debut on BET in Africa. Following that, IN BLOOM will also become available on YouTube in India and Africa.
Following the premiere on Paramount+ and Pluto TV, Paramount will distribute rights free to third party platforms via its Global Content Distribution arm, to maximize reach and impact for these important stories.
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.”
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, IN BLOOM is produced by MTV Staying Alive Foundation and distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
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 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 struggles 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 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. 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 it’s 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.
Eight-Part Docuseries Profiles Activists from Around the World Fighting for Change
Produced by Proper Content in Association with Paramount Television International Studios
December 14, 2023 – Paramount+ today announced that all eight episodes of the new docuseries THE CHANGEMAKERS will premiere exclusively on the service globally on Monday, January 1.
Produced by Paramount International Television Studios in partnership with Proper Content Ltd, THE CHANGEMAKERS follows an A-team of impassioned campaigners as they discover the work of several remarkable activists and their respective communities around the world.
THE CHANGEMAKERS explores several topical issues including mental health, LGBTQ+ and transgender rights in the USA, the UK’s cost of living crisis, the link between systemic racism and maternal mortality, immigration and the environment - particularly access to clean water and overfishing. With episodes spanning the U.K., U.S., Ghana, Denmark, and Lithuania, each episode sees a ‘Changemaker’ partner with a community figure for two weeks to inspire, expand, and understand their situation. The Changemakers’ visit culminates in a public campaign to galvanize supporters and paint a lasting legacy for those fighting for positive change.
The ‘Changemakers’ are:
Seán Binder - after spending 106 days in a Greek jail for rescuing refugees from drowning off the coast, Sean spent the time awaiting his trial’s verdict fighting for underrepresented communities, migrants and asylum seekers through their legal rights. He brings to The Changemakers his vast experience of international judicial systems, plus degrees in human rights law and international relations.
Trinice McNally - known across the USA for her transformative efforts around equitable and inclusive college campuses that foster the growth of historically marginalized students, powerful Changemaker Trinice is a Black, queer feminist, migrant, and survivor who is committed to the liberation of oppressed people with a wealth of high-profile grassroots work to her name.
Dr. Waheed Arian - Afghanistan-born Dr. Waheed’s path to medicine started in refugee camps. Smuggled to the UK at 15 years old, he continued his studies with hopes of making a difference and was eventually accepted to Cambridge University. With an in-built passion for reducing inequities in physical and mental healthcare, Dr. Waheed is now a leading NHS Emergency Room doctor and founder of a worldwide telemedicine charity.
Flavia Broffoni - Activist, Political scientist, and Extinction Rebellion Argentina co-founder Flavia has over 20 years of experience advocating environmental policy change. She is a proud spokesperson against mining corporations and big investors for marginalized, rural communities in Latin America. Her work as a Changemaker seeks to engage city-dwellers in the fight against the climate crisis and advocate for those who have been on the frontlines since the beginning.
The series has been produced for Paramount+ as part of Content for Change, the company’s global initiative that aims to counteract racism, bias, stereotypes, and hate on and off-screen through three pillars, one of which is focused on systemically transforming the creative supply chain.
THE CHANGEMAKERS is directed by Emanuel Ayettey, Libby Overton, Dominic Sivyer, Matt David, Lindsay Konieczny, James Hilton and Oliver Sloane alongside executive producers Nick Betts, David DeHaney and Rachel Harvie for Proper Content. Richard Chang-Warburton, Tanya Malcom-Revell, Ari Tan, Georgia Arnold and Juan “JC” Acosta Executive Produced for Paramount Television International Studios.
The Changemakers: Denmark
The Changemakers: Ghana
The Changemakers: Lithuania
About Proper Content
Launched in 2017, Proper Content is one of the UKs leading Black owned premium factual production companies, working with a range of UK and international broadcasters, backed by Channel 4, with a track record in producing impactful social purpose programmes. Some of their recent work includes The School That Tried to End Racism (C4/Hulu), which won best series at the BAFTA, Grierson, Rose D'Or, the Venice International Television award, New York TV Festival award and the Japan Presidents Prize. It has been screened globally as well as being remade in several countries; Dispatches: The Black Maternity Scandal (C4) with Rochelle Humes, highlighting racial disparity in maternal and infant health outcomes in the UK and which won a British Journalism Award; Suicidal: In Our Own Words (C5), a feature documentary about male mental health which won a Grierson award for best documentary. Chris Packham: Is it Time to break the Law (C4) sees environmentalist Chris Packham consider whether or not it is ethically acceptable to break the law in protest on climate change.
About Paramount+
Paramount+, a direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service, combines live sports, breaking news and A Mountain of Entertainment™. The streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel. Paramount+ with SHOWTIME ®, the service’s cornerstone plan, is also home to SHOWTIME ® content including scripted hits, critically acclaimed nonfiction projects, SHOWTIME SPORTS ® (including industry-leading SHOWTIME Boxing ®) and films. This premium plan includes unmatched events and sports programming through the local live CBS stream, including golf to basketball and more. All Paramount+ subscribers have streaming access to CBS News Network for 24/7 news and CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis.
For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com and follow @ParamountPlus on social platforms.
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Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!
Nickelodeon Animation Studio has announced the launch of Avatar Academy, a new trainee program centered in the Avatar Universe, in partnership with Paramount's Content for Change initiative and Avatar Studios. Applications for Avatar Academy are open now at at.nick.com/AvatarAcademy.
Introducing Avatar Academy
Applications Now Open
What is Avatar Academy?
In partnership with Content for Change, Avatar Academy is an immersive experience designed to provide aspiring artists with practical training and mentorship from professionals working within Avatar Studios.
What can I expect from Avatar Academy?
Participants will refine their artistic skills under the mentorship of Nickelodeon Animation's accomplished artists, gaining access to valuable opportunities for networking, personal growth, skill enhancement, and elevating their proficiency in software tools.
Who can apply for this program?
This program is open to individuals with a passion for animation and a desire to develop their skills further. You must be at least 18 years of age and eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.
Is this a full-time obligation?
Avatar Academy is a paid, full-time, 40 hours per week commitment.
How long does the program last?
This program will last up to 6 months with a potential for an extension after review.
Is this remote for in-person?
This trainee program is in-person at Nickelodeon Animation Studio in Burbank, California.
What materials do I need to submit my application?
Your portfolio, resume, and cover letter will be reviewed for consideration.
Update (9/12) - Nickelodeon Animation Studio has announced the launch of Avatar Academy, a new trainee program centered in the Avatar Universe, in partnership with Paramount's Content for Change initiative and Avatar Studios. Applications for Avatar Academy are open now at at.nick.com/AvatarAcademy.
Nickelodeon Animation Studios has announced plans to launch Avatar Academy, a new trainee program, in partnership with Paramount's Content for Change initiative and Avatar Studios, with more details about the program to be announced in the near future.
Paramount's Content for Change is a global company-wide, cross-brand initiative that seeks to harness the power of content to counteract racism, bias, stereotypes, and all forms of hate. Informed and inspired by BET's groundbreaking campaign, Content for Change applies scientific research, rigor, and data to transform the entire creative ecosystem across three pillars – the content the company produces, the creative supply chain that powers it, and the culture that underpins everything Paramount does. For more information, go to www.contentforchange.paramount.com.
Avatar Studios is Nickelodeon’s animation studio division dedicated entirely to creating content based on the wildly popular world of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. Led by the series’ original creators Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, in partnership with the Nickelodeon Animation Studio, Avatar Studios will produce for Paramount+ a wide-range of Avatar-inspired content, ranging from spinoffs and theatricals to short form.
