Positive Masculinity
{{ time.start_TS | TS2dateFormat('MMM') }}
{{ time.start_TS | TS2dateFormat('YYYY') }}
| Simultaneous Translation |
| 16 years and older |
| English, German |
| Mechanical Arena in the Foyer |
| Belongs to: Family Matters |
What does it mean to be a father today? What are some examples of how masculinity can be lived and defined in a caring and emotionally open way?
Research shows that rigid, traditional expectations of masculinity – to be strong, stoic, and dominant – can negatively impact the mental health and emotional well-being of boys and men. The term “toxic masculinity” has sparked a necessary debate – but what comes next? How do we move from mere criticism to action?
Black Dads Germany, founded by panel guest Alain Missala, is opening up new perspectives on the image of fathers and masculinity in Germany, with care playing a central role. At the same time, the initiative advocates for 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 exchange ideas.
Positive Masculinity: Father-Child Relationships! A Panel Discussion at the Humboldt Forum
At the Humboldt Forum, French-Senegalese filmmaker Marina Gning presents her impressive documentary series Père(s)-Fille(s) (Fathers–Daughters), which explores the often tender, sometimes complex, and deeply 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 does it mean for daughters to have a caring father – and vice versa – to have caring fathers?
Together, they explore how fatherhood can become a transformative force – not only within families but also in society. From personal experiences to public discourse, from film to community work, they bring fresh perspectives on what it means to be a man today.
The event will also showcase an excerpt from a film featuring Senegalese anthropologist and community educator Cheikh Sadibou Sakho, who explores pathways to positive masculinity – rooted in empathy, care, and vulnerability – and asks how this can unfold across different cultures, communities, forms of fatherhood, and life stories.
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 Beziehungsweise Familie exhibition.
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 Family Matters
Moderator: Solvej Ovesen
Filmmaker, Social Entrepreneur, Content Creator, Trainer, Coach, Moderator & Consultant
With over ten years of experience in film and audiovisual production in France, Marina co-founded Apinapi (Paris) in 2010 and the social enterprise Apiafrique (Senegal) in 2017.
She has developed several impact-oriented projects aimed at empowering women, combining digital and analog approaches, including:
- Weerwi – A platform for menstrual health and well-being.
- La Carte Rose Sénégal – A digital information service focused on menstrual and sexual health.
- Fathers & Daughters – An intercultural dialogue project with the documentary series Pères-Filles, written, directed, and filmed by Marina.
Founder of Black Dads Germany, Community Builder & Consultant
Alain grew up in Cameroon without a father and learned early from his grandfather the importance of male role models. After moving to Germany for a second Master’s degree, marrying, and raising three children, he became the central figure in his family—especially in matters of racism and identity.
When his daughter said in 2020, “I am white, not Black,” Alain began searching for ways to strengthen Black representation in children’s books. He founded a community: Black Dads Germany (BDG). What started as casual conversations developed into a national movement, which is now active in eight German cities, connects over 1,000 fathers, and unites more than 400 members in their WhatsApp community daily. BDG is now recognized as a trusted point of contact for public institutions, with the goal of empowering Black fathers, connecting communities, and creating spaces where families can thrive.
Cheikh Sadibou Sakho (in the film)
Anthropologist and Sociologist, Advocate for Positive Masculinity
Cheikh Sadibou Sakho teaches at the Department of Sociology at Gaston Berger University (UGB) in Saint-Louis, Senegal. His research and teaching focus on the management of natural resources, the green economy, social change, the social challenges of energy and climate change, and extractivism. He is also actively involved in public debates in Senegal, including discussions on masculinity.
Partner
Die Filmreihe Pere(s)-Fille(s) wurde in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Regionalvorhaben „Sport für Entwicklung in Afrika“ (S4DA) der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH realisiert, im Auftrag des Bundesministeriums für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ).
Koordination: Catherine Daraspe
Realisierung/Video: Marina Gning