Documentary series trains a lens on five women whose businesses are bettering everyone

A Lebanese fashion designer whose luxury handbags are crafted by a team of women, many of whom are prisoners or ex-prisoners who use their newfound skills to regain their dignity and support their families. A Chicago chef whose baking classes for kids in underserved communities is sprinkled with lessons on nutrition and budgeting. A Croatian mother who, when faced with a lack of resources in her own language to teach her daughter with a developmental disability, educated herself and established her own publishing house. An Indian journalist who saw the detrimental effects of pesticides on her community and now teaches farmers another way. A São Paulo woman and wheelchair user who makes it her mission to guide companies to hire and value people with disabilities.

These passionate and persevering women are among the entrepreneurs featured in “FIVE,” a Mastercard-commissioned documentary series of five short documentary films that follow their individual journeys to improve and uplift their communities. Today, ShortsTV, the first and only 24/7 linear and OTT channel dedicated to short form video entertainment and exclusive presenter of the Academy Award-nominated short film theatrical releases,  announced a one-year exclusive distribution deal for “FIVE.”

The partnership reflects ShortsTV’s steadfast advocacy for short-form filmmakers and spotlighting diverse perspectives and Mastercard’s commitment to gender balance and supporting small business. In conjunction with International Women’s Day, the five highlighted films will be featured on ShortsTV’s linear broadcast channels in March 2021.

Spotlighting these five stories will bring further awareness to some of the most critical issues facing small business owners and ways that entrepreneurs around the world are driving 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. It recently expanded its commitment to financial inclusion with a pledge to bring one billion into the digital economy by 2025, with a special focus on providing 25 million women entrepreneurs with solutions that can help them grow their businesses.

“Film is a powerful medium, inspiring and educating people through human stories and personal connection. It’s a natural way to drive awareness and empathy for the critical issues women entrepreneurs face every day and we’re honored to give these five women a platform to share their experiences.”

Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

For more information on “FIVE,” please visit fivefilmsmc.com.