The series introduces Kenyan engineer Nzambi Matee, whose company Gjenge Makers in Nairobi transforms plastic waste into eco-friendly paving bricks.
Israeli producer and distributor Keshet International has joined forces with Farhoud Meybodi’s impact studio Ritual Arts and Orlando Bloom’s production company Amazing Owl to bring the premium factual docuseries Earthbound to international audiences.
Narrated by actor and environmentalist Orlando Bloom, Earthbound is a 6×60’ premium documentary series that delves into the lives and achievements of seemingly ordinary individuals who have transformed environmental challenges into opportunities. Each episode profiles a visionary figure, such as 32-year-old engineer Nzambi Matee, founder of Gjenge Makers, who converts plastic waste into sustainable paving bricks. The series aims to entertain and inspire viewers worldwide with its optimistic and solution-oriented approach.
This six-part docuseries has been developed by Ritual Arts based on its 2023 multi-award-winning documentary film Earthbound: Nzambi Matee. The documentary has already garnered widespread success on the international festival circuit, winning more than 30 awards to date at festivals such as the Tribeca Film Festival, International Wildlife Film Festival, and Mallorca International Film Festival. Thanks to audience participation, the film has helped raise funds to support Matee’s company and contribute to the people of Nairobi through The Earthbound Foundation- an extension of the project dedicated to empowering the featured communities with educational scholarships, business grants, and building grants.
Speaking about the documentary, Ritual Arts’ Farhoud Meybodi, writer, director and producer of Earthbound, said: “The success of Nzambi’s film is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team, which spans Kenya, South Africa, the US, and the UK. It underscores the reality that, despite our diverse backgrounds, we are all bound together by a shared humanity that can be harnessed to create art and build bridges, especially in these divisive times. I’m optimistic that the documentary series will continue to build on the film’s momentum, reminding global audiences of the immense importance Mother Nature holds in all our lives.”
Kelly Wright, KI’s MD of Distribution, added: “Earthbound is one of the most uplifting hours of television I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t keep the smile off my face watching Farhoud capture Nzambi’s story and spirit and knew Keshet International had to be a part of this incredible project. Earthboundis so much more than beautifully crafted, feel-good entertainment – it’s about truly extraordinary stories that ring with universal truths, which choose to focus on the positive – what we CAN do with gumption, imagination, hard work, and indomitable optimism – over the dire headlines we see every day. We’re so excited to take this award-winning film out to the TV world as a docuseries at the upcoming London TV Screenings.”
Produced by Ritual Arts in collaboration with Amazing Owl, Earthbound (6×60’) will be written, directed, and executive produced by Farhoud Meybodi, with executive production and narration by Orlando Bloom. The series is also executive produced by Massa Nagano and Adam Karasick. Keshet International, through negotiations led by SVP of Acquisitions and Co-productions Anke Stoll and consultant Hayley Babcock, will handle international distribution of the premium docuseries. The pilot episode will be showcased exclusively to buyers at the 2024 London TV Screenings on Wednesday, February 28.
