In the organizer's words:

What does it mean to be a father today? What examples are there of living and defining masculinity in a caring and emotionally open way?

Research shows that rigid, traditional expectations of masculinity - to be strong, stoic, dominant - can have a negative impact on the mental health and emotional lives of boys and men. The term 'toxic masculinity' has sparked a necessary debate - but where do we go from here? How do we move from mere criticism to action?

Black Dads Germany, founded by panel guest Alain Missala, opens up new perspectives on the image of fathers and masculinity in Germany, with care playing a central role. At the same time, the Black Dads Germany initiative is committed to a more diverse and inclusive society. Black Dads is a supportive network that strengthens families and creates safe spaces for fathers and their children to play, read, learn and share.

At the Humboldt Forum, French-Senegalese filmmaker Marina Gning will present her impressive documentary series Père(s)-Fille(s) (Fathers-Daughters), which highlights the often tender, sometimes complex and very empowering relationships between fathers and daughters. Inspired by these intimate portraits, we open up the discussion: What role does fatherhood play in shaping modern masculinity? What do caring fathers mean to their daughters - and vice versa?

Together they explore how fatherhood can become a transformative force - not only in the family, but also in society. From personal experiences to public discourse, from film to community work, they bring new perspectives on what it means to be a man today.

The event will also feature a film excerpt with Senegalese anthropologist and community educator Cheikh Sadibou Sakho, who will highlight pathways to positive masculinity - rooted in empathy, care and vulnerability - and ask how this can unfold across different cultures, communities, forms of fatherhood and life stories.

Participants

Alain Missala, founder of Black Dads Germany, advocates for visibility and empowerment through fatherhood.

Marina Gning, filmmaker of Père(s)-Fille(s), part of the exhibition Beziehungsweise Familie.

Moderation: Solvej Ovesen

Partner

The film series Pere(s)-Fille(s) was realized in cooperation with the regional project "Sport for Development in Africa" (S4DA) of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Coordination: Catherine Daraspe

Realization/video: Marina Gning

- from 16 years

- German, English

- Mechanical arena in the foyer

- Part of: Guest room

- Belongs to: Relationship family