docUNight: The Brink of Dreams
Through intimate storytelling, the documentary highlights how art can be both a means of voice and a path to rights, while also exploring questions of access, opportunity, and the transformative power of creativity. The film shines a light on the struggles and resilience of girls navigating tradition, gender inequality, and the pursuit of freedom, raising questions about what to do with the power of art once it is produced.
This docUNight will explore the inextricable link between bodily autonomy and gender equality.
As part of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, it is co-hosted by UNFPA (the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency), UN Women (the UN organisation dedicated to gender equality), HUM:Global of the University of Copenhagen, and CEMES (the Center for Modern European Studies).
Run time: 1h 42 minutes
Language: Arabic (with English subtitles)
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please bring a valid photo-ID to get through security at UN City and set aside time for the security check prior to the event.
Please note that the check-in will open at 16:00 and close at 16:50.
It will not be possible to enter UN City after this time. Please DO NOT book tickets under your name for someone else.
Please reserve each ticket under each person’s name due to the security check upon entry to UN City.
Refreshments (soft drinks and snacks) will be available for purchase between 16:00–17:00. You are also welcome to bring your own water bottles and snacks to UN City.
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PROGRAMME
17:00 Welcome Remarks by Ulla Müller, Director of the UNFPA Nordic Representation Office
17:10 Screening of ‘The Brink of Dreams’
18:50 Interview with Ayman El Amir and Nada Riyadh, film directors
followed by a panel discussion with:
- Naja Birke – Independent Theatre Practitioner and Consultant at Teatercentrum
- Petar Mitric – Assistant Professor in Film Studies, University of Copenhagen
- moderated by Noa Valentin Katz Søgaard – Head of UN City Communications
19:45 End of event
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BACKGROUND:
Every day, over 30,000 girls are forced into marriage worldwide, and more than 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetime.
These staggering realities prevent individuals from reaching their full potential.
To address this, UNFPA provides millions of women, girls, and young people with crucial information about their bodies and rights, along with essential health services and protection from violence. Only when every person can access accurate information, quality care, and the freedom to make choices about their bodies safely and with dignity can they realise their full potential – and help shape a better future for all.
Women’s rights are human rights. Every woman is a sovereign individual, with agency, voice, and a universal right to pursue a life according to her own aspirations.
Women’s political participation and leadership can only thrive in a society where female perspectives are heard and valued. When women reclaim their voices and enter spaces they were once excluded from, it can encourage the next generation to question limitations and find the courage to pursue or redefine their own aspirations. UN Women makes strides forward for women and girls in 4 areas: leadership, economic empowerment, freedom from violence, and women, peace and security, as well as humanitarian action. UN Women keeps the rights of women and girls at the centre of global progress—always, everywhere.
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SPECIAL EXHIBITION – ‘I WAS BORN A GIRL’:
Ahead of the screening, you are invited to experience the art exhibition I Was Born a Girl, on display in the lobby of UN City Copenhagen during the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence. The exhibition is organised by UNFPA, together with UN Women and the Embassy of Finland in Copenhagen.
The project was born in 2022, when artist Minna Pietarinen and co-founder Peppi Stünkel decided to create an initiative dedicated to the rights of girls and women, through the gentle yet powerful fusion of art and poetry.
The exhibition premiered in Mexico City on International Women’s Day 2023 and has since toured Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe, including a showcase at the Palais des Nations in Geneva during the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
The ‘I Was Born a Girl’ exhibition raises awareness about women’s rights and gender equality globally.
Through the convening power of art and storytelling, the exhibition aims to amplify the voices of women, providing a space for reflection, understanding and motivation for action. It emphasises that everyone has a role to play in promoting and advocating for human rights and the rights of women and girls in their own way. By showcasing artistic interpretations and meaningful exchange, the ‘I Was Born a Girl’ exhibition serves as a catalyst for dialogue, action and social change.
About 16 Days of Activism:
From 25 November to 10 December 2025, mark the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-based Violence under the theme: “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls”. Violence against women and girls affects one in three women. It is a global human rights emergency that must stop. As the world marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – one of the most progressive international agreements on women’s rights to date – the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE 2025 campaign focuses on one of the fastest-growing forms of abuse: digital violence against women and girls. This year’s campaign is also a reminder that digital safety is central to gender equality.
Learn more about the 16 Days.
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About UNFPA:
UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, working to uphold the rights and choices of women, girls and young people across more than 150 countries. Through its work, UNFPA ensures that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person can fulfil their potential.
UNFPA works in partnership with governments, civil society, academia and the private sector to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights. UNFPA shares data and analysis to help countries measure progress. It brings in resources and technical expertise where they are most needed. UNFPA advocates for rights and choices in government discussions and public debates. It also builds national capacity through training and monitoring, and joins regional and international meetings to strengthen knowledge and commitment.
Learn more about UNFPA.
About UN Women:
UN Women is the UN organisation delivering programmes, policies and standards that uphold women’s human rights and ensure that every woman and girl lives up to her full potential. UN Women exists to advance women’s rights, gender equality, and the empowerment of all women and girls.
As the lead UN entity on gender equality and secretariat of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, UN Women shifts laws, institutions, social behaviours, and services to close the gender gap and build an equal world for all women and girls. Its partnerships with governments, women’s movements, and the private sector, coupled with its coordination of the broader United Nations, translate progress into lasting changes.
Learn more about UN Women.
About HUM:Global:
HUM:Global is a cross-faculty initiative that maps, harnesses, and stimulates researchers, projects, networks (both with external global partners and internally at KU), and centres at the Faculty of Humanities to generate and bring to life their greatest and most daring ideas on global processes and challenges. Over the next three years, HUM:Global will co-create projects and frameworks at the Faculty of Humanities, which will substantially enhance its capacity to research and teach on global subjects while increasing its visibility, standing and impact in wider society.
Learn more about HUM:Global.
About CEMES:
The task of the Centre for Modern European Studies (CEMES – an ¨Oresund Network of Lund University, Malmö University, and the University of Copenhagen) is to promote and support research on modern Europe in an increasingly globalised world. The centre aims to explore the last centuries’ political, cultural, and intellectual transformation of Europe as well Europe’s relations with other regions in the world. CEMES provides platforms for researchers to develop and discuss their research on European matters, including history, culture, media, politics, international relations, religions, philosophy, arts, and literature.
Learn more about CEMES.
About UN City Copenhagen:
UN City Copenhagen is a hub for the Sustainable Development Goals where UN agencies collaborate, share knowledge, and work with partners from across governments, the private sector, academia, youth networks, and civil society in the Nordics and around the world. UN City comprises 2 campuses. Campus 1 on Marmormolen opened in July 2013 and houses 10 UN organisations with 1,700+ personnel from 100+ countries. Campus 2, located on Oceanvej, constitutes UNICEF’s Global Supply Hub – with a total storage capacity of 36,000 pallets, it is the largest humanitarian warehouse in the world.