In 2017, while residing at the Maison du Portugal – André de Gouveia  within the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris (CIUP), I was immersed in a vibrant community of international scholars, artists, and thinkers. This unique environment, which annually hosts approximately 12,000 residents from over 150 nationalities across its 45 houses , provided fertile ground for cross-cultural exchanges and collaborative endeavors.

The Maison du Portugal, established in 1967 and later renamed to honor the 16th-century Portuguese humanist André de Gouveia , served not only as my residence but also as my creative studio during this period.

In anticipation of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2017, the “Femmes dans le Monde” collective—a collaborative initiative led by the director of the Maison du Brésil and other house directors within the CIUP—extended an invitation to create a film that would amplify the voices of women from diverse backgrounds. This collective effort aimed to foster dialogue and understanding among the CIUP’s multinational residents.

Embracing this opportunity, I directed Femmes dans le Monde – On Prend la Parole (Women in the World – We Speak Out), a 23-minute documentary that brings together 14 young women residing in various CIUP houses. Each participant shared her perspectives on women’s rights, personal experiences, and aspirations for the future, reflecting the rich tapestry of cultures and viewpoints within the CIUP community.

Femmes dans le Monde – On Prend la Parole stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging cultural divides and highlighting the universal quest for gender equality. The CIUP’s mission to promote shared values of diversity and inclusion  resonates deeply within this work, underscoring the importance of dialogue and mutual respect in our global community.