Since 2018, Meiji Gakuin University has been participating in the UNHCR Refugee Higher Education Program (RHEP). As one of the School Partners, we have hosted an annual film screening every year. Although the festival was renamed the “UNHCR Refugee Film Festival” in 2022, we will continue to hold screenings on our campus as part of the Refugee Film Festival Partners initiative.

For our first screening of this academic year, we will be showing the film WE DAER TO DREAM.

Athletes who fled their home countries for various reasons—such as conflict or persecution by their governments—became refugees and continued to pursue their dreams. Despite facing deep emotional struggles, they took part in the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games as members of the Refugee Olympic Team. This documentary follows their journey as they compete on the world stage with strong determination, carrying with them the memories of their homelands and families, even though they cannot represent their national flags.

Following the screening, we will welcome a guest speaker who has been officially recognized as a Convention Refugee in Japan. Together with the audience, we will reflect on the film and think about refugee acceptance in Japan.

This event is open to the general public. We look forward to your participation.

Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 13:30–16:00

Venue: Meiji Gakuin University, Shirokane Campus, Building 2, 3rd Floor, Room 2401

Admission: Free

Language: Japanese

Registration: Not required

Film: WE DAER TO DREAM　https://www.violet-films.com/we-dare-to-dream

Country: UK / 2023 / 98 min

Director & Screenwriter: Waad Al-Kateab