Short Film Anthology: 5 in 5 IN BLOOM
Paramount+ and the Staying Alive Foundation present a collection of short films from around the world, showcasing unexpected and unheard stories that delve into the complexities of gender issues to inspire divergent thinking. This initiative supports UN Sustainable Development Goal no. 5: to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
These five short films are directed by emerging female filmmakers from Brazil, India, Kenya, Nigeria, and the U.S., in collaboration with Paramount+, the Staying Alive Foundation, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Maré (2024)
5 in 5 IN BLOOM Short Film Anthology
Directed by Giuliana Monteiro, a talented female filmmaker
9 min
In this powerful short film, a mother on the edge of her sanity seeks solace from a tumultuous life situation, highlighting the importance of gender equality in storytelling.
Period (2024)
5 in 5 IN BLOOM Short Film Anthology
Directed by Nicole Sweeny
10 min
In a powerful narrative that highlights the work of female filmmakers advocating for gender equality, this short film follows Fay, a student at her underserved school who, like many of her classmates, cannot afford menstrual products. Determined to make a change, she embarks on a crusade to obtain these essential items for free.
What Did You Dream? (2019)
Directed by female filmmaker Karabo Lediga, this 20-minute short film explores the summer school holidays in 1990 South Africa. Eleven-year-old Boipelo returns to her grandmother's four-roomed house in the Pretoria township of Atteridgeville. This setting reflects a nation on the brink of democracy, mirroring Boipelo's own uncertainty as she prepares to attend a multiracial school, a step toward gender equality in education.
Awards
Best African Short Film, Durban International Film Festival 2021
Best International Short, Palm Springs International Short Fest 2020
Official Selection
International Competition, Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, France 2020
Official Selection to Festivals Seattle International Film Festival 2021
Film O’Clock International Festival 2021 Pittsburgh Shorts Film Festival USA 2020
Film Africa, Baobab Award Shorts programme, United Kingdom 2020
18º Bogotá Short Film Festival / Festival de Cortos de Bogotá, chiquiSHORTS, Colombia 2020
SA/X (2004)
Directed by Gilli Apter, SA/X is a compelling 20-minute comic mock-documentary that showcases the creative work of female filmmakers. Set in 2004 Johannesburg, it follows the journey of Kim Smart, a fair-skinned African girl who dares to look beyond her burglar-proof suburban world. Through her eyes, viewers experience a city that is both tattered and triumphant, reflecting a generation coming of age in a post-apartheid reality. This short film profiles a contemporary slice of urban youth culture while interspersing a captivating narrative with staged documentary-style interviews of random South African 20-somethings discussing their concerns and values, emphasizing themes of gender equality. As Kim breaks free from her controlling and prejudiced family and boyfriend, she befriends a multiracial punk band and ventures into an area of the city long deemed a no-go zone by most whites. A decade later, amidst urban and social challenges, this story illustrates the journey of a liberated South Africa and Kim Smart as they navigate the continuing road to freedom.
Awards
Winner of Silver Leopard of Tomorrow Award, Locarno Leopards of Tomorrow Festival, Switzerland 2005
Short Film in Competition (Finalist), Cape Town World Cinema Festival, South Africa 2004
Official Selection
Silhouette Film Festival, France 2007
Ongeriewe, Rome Film Festival, Italy 2007
The ReelWorld Film Festival, Canada 2006
Munich International Festival of Film Schools 2005
London Short Ends Festival 2005
Tous Les Cinemas du Monde, Cannes Film Festival, France 2005
Durban International Film Festival, South Africa 2005
Apollo Film Festival, South Africa 2005
Box (2004)
Directed by Gilli Apter, this 15-minute short film highlights the contributions of female filmmakers and emphasizes the importance of gender equality in the film industry. It was an Official Selection at Tous Les Cinemas du Monde, Cannes Film Festival, France 2005.