In celebration of Women’s Day – Premiering on ShortsTV March 6, 2021. Available on Digital and on Demand March 8, 2021
“FIVE” is a documentary film series that follows the journey of five women from five countries across the globe who have each set out to start a purpose-driven business to improve and uplift their communities. The short films were commissioned by Mastercard
It was so exciting to speak with Lisa Madison from Square Zero Films. Square Zero Films is an impact-driven film production company. They are storytellers that use the art of film to transform audiences from passive viewers – sitting in a theater waiting to be entertained – to inspired, active and vocal members of their communities. They use film to manifest real change in the world – build schools in refugee camps, homeless shelters across America, and orphanages in Nepal.
How did you get involved with the project?
Lisa Madison: We were approached by Mastercard to create a film about positive change. We looked at hundreds of stories, all were illuminating, but we settled on these five women. I am a producer and director so I had the opportunity to go to India and meet with Ekta Jaju who was concerned about the farmers and their families in India becoming increasingly ill from the dangerous chemicals and pesticides being used on their crops.
How did Ekta Jaju convince Indian farmers to accept her new concept for the farming business?
Lisa Madison: The poison was not only bad for the farmers but bad for the people eating the food as well. Ekta’s desire was to help protect the health of the people as well as to educate the farmers on new ways of doing business that was profitable. She took the pressure off the farmers by eliminating the middle guy and securing guaranteed payments to farmers upon delivery.
What do all of these women have in common?
Lisa Madison: Well first I would say they all have a lot of passion, perseverance, and heart! They are underdogs who chose to inspire hope in the world and uplift their communities through their businesses. They believe in taking care of each other in their communities and they absolutely love what they do!
“FIVE” shines a spotlight on the following global businesses:
HARFA, Directed by Ella Mische
Learning is a lifelong pursuit, often brimming with a wealth of books and experts on every topic imaginable. But when Irena Orlovic went searching for ways to help teach her young daughter with a developmental disability, she discovered only empty bookshelves in her native language. What began as an educational journey of her own led her to start Harfa, a publishing house founded with an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to help teach an entire country.
JUSTICE OF THE PIES, Directed by Michelle Marrion
Basil key lime, blue cheese praline pear, lavender lemon—mouth-watering pies by chef Maya-Camille Broussard delight all five senses. Created to honor her father’s legacy as a Chicago criminal defense attorney who could never say no to a good pastry, Justice of the Pies serves not only the most inventive pies in town but also the city’s future talent, by teaching skills like nutrition and budgeting to kids from underserved communities while they bake their first delicious pie.
ONGANIC FOODS, Directed by Lisa Madison
After starting her own garden, journalist Ekta Jaju uncovered that modern farming practices were causing profound health effects on small farmers in her district. Curious and community-minded, Ekta began educating hundreds of farmers about the dangers of pesticides and showing them a better way through organic farming. Her mission quickly blossomed into a thriving business based on sustainable agriculture. ONganic Foods is living proof that one small seed of change can transform a countryside.
SARAH’S BAG, Directed by Nadia Naffa
Sarah’s Bag follows the story of solicitous entrepreneur Sarah Beydoun. While working on her thesis in Sociology, Sarah’s eyes were opened to the struggles of women who had been left behind – enduring imprisonment, abuse, and prostitution. While working at her brother’s shop where an artisan used to come and fix old bags, Sarah felt inspired to train these women on different handcrafts techniques that are unique to her region’s traditions. Sarah employed these women to start creating unique handbags, which would allow them to have the means to support their families financially and gain their dignity back. Sarah’s Bag takes you inside the lives of those given a second chance.
On the 4th of August 2020, an explosion occurred that severely damaged Beirut. The blast ripped through Sarah’s storefront of 20 years. The roof collapsed on Sarah but she survived. Today, she is working to rebuild her store and expand her business both domestically and internationally, while continuing to provide an income and a lifeline to those who work with her.
TALENTO INCLUIR, Directed by Renata Sette
In a split second, life changed for Carolina Ignarra. Following a harrowing accident, she would need to traverse the crowded streets of São Paulo, Brazil, in a wheelchair forever. She quickly discovered the biggest challenge she was about to face wouldn’t be her own disability, but systemic workplace discrimination for the broader Sao Paulo disabled population. Driven to educate managers on the meaning and value of inclusivity, Carolina started Talento Incluir to help promote new pathways for employers to value, hire and redefine what it means to be top talent.
Commissioned By Mastercard
Last year, Mastercard expanded its commitment to financial inclusion with a pledge to bring one billion into the digital economy by 2025, including a focus on providing 25 million women entrepreneurs with solutions that can help them grow their businesses. Spotlighting these five stories will bring further awareness to some of the world’s most critical issues challenging inclusion. From food insecurity and sustainable farming to special education and diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Mastercard is dedicated to driving action to build a digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.
For more information on “FIVE,” please visit fivefilmsmc.com.
Thank you Lisa Madison! Creating JOY through WORK!
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