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Elevate Studios Announces Season Two of Nevertheless Docuseries

The Elevate Prize Foundation, a renowned nonprofit dedicated to making positive change visible, is excited to announce the return of its acclaimed docuseries, Nevertheless. Confirmed at the prestigious Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, this second season titled Nevertheless: Democracy Defenders will shine a spotlight on individuals who champion the causes of democracy, freedom, and civil liberties in an increasingly challenging global atmosphere.

Produced by Elevate Studios, the storytelling arm of the Elevate Prize Foundation, this season builds on the achievements of its first installment, which highlighted female changemakers. Nevertheless: Democracy Defenders explores the pressing fight for democratic preservation by featuring powerful narratives from four exemplary Elevate Prize winners.

Why Now?

The announcement comes at a critical time when democratic values are under siege worldwide. As noted by Eva Bloomfield, the Chief Marketing Officer of the Elevate Prize Foundation, “These stories do more than inform; they inspire action.” This sentiment captures the motivation behind the docuseries, which aims to mobilize audiences in support of those persevering against disinformation and human rights abuses across the globe.

Bloomfield continued, “Season two arrives as we witness a rollback of hard-won freedoms. This series is a testament to the remarkable strength of individuals striving to defend not only their rights but the rights of others.” With a blend of interviews and behind-the-scenes content, this season promises to showcase intimate moments of resilience and activism, effectively portraying what it means to be courageous in times of political unrest.

Focus on Key Figures

Packed with stories that inspire, Nevertheless: Democracy Defenders will highlight four significant figures dedicated to elevating democratic discourse:
1. Koketso Moeti from amandla.mobi (Johannesburg, South Africa) – She empowers citizens through mobile activism to hold power accountable.
2. Imran Ahmed from the Center for Countering Digital Hate (Washington, D.C.) – Committed to combating online disinformation and extremist content on a global scale.
3. Yordanos Eyoel of Keseb (Boston, MA) – Working tirelessly to cultivate a robust civil society that fosters inclusive democracies.
4. Hannah Fried from All Voting is Local (Washington, D.C.) – A passionate advocate for voting rights and equitable election access across the United States.

Each episode will delve into the unique challenges these leaders face, the strategies they employ to effect change, and the broader implications of their work in a society grappling with polarization.

Following a Successful Debut

The announcement follows the impressive response to the first season, Nevertheless: The Women Changing the World, which aired earlier this year. Garnering over 2.4 million views, the debut season highlighted pivotal figures like Teresa Njoroge, Cindy Eggleton, and Dr. Aparna Hegde, showcasing the profound impact of women's contributions to societal transformation. This positive feedback reinforced a desire for compelling narratives that not only inspire but also catalyze change within communities.

Carolina García Jayaram, the CEO of the Elevate Prize Foundation, emphasized the importance of storytelling in today's society, stating,