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Refugee Girls tells the intertwined stories of Robina, Sofiia, and Bozhena, three young women carving out new lives in unfamiliar cities while carrying the weight of their pasts. Set against the backdrop of Rome and Barcelona, the documentary offers an intimate look at what it means to rebuild amidst displacement, exploring resilience, friendship, and the hope for a brighter future.
In Rome, Robina, an Afghan student at Sapienza University, arrived in early 2020 through the university's Mentorship program, which provides scholarships and opportunities for refugees to pursue higher education. The camera follows her through the rhythms of her daily life—preparing for exams, navigating bureaucratic hurdles to renew her documents, and cherishing quiet moments with her family. Robina isn’t alone; a small community of Afghan students has also made Sapienza their academic home. Together, they face the challenges of university life, sharing laughter over meals and encouragement during walks through the city. At the heart of her experience is her friendship with Lucia, a volunteer who played a crucial role in welcoming refugees to the university, offering Robina not just guidance but a connection to her new world.
Meanwhile, in Barcelona, Sofiia and Bozhena, two Ukrainian students, forge a bond in a Spanish language course aimed at integrating refugee students into the university system. Their paths to the city couldn’t have been more different—Bozhena arrived by plane, thanks to the help of her sister already living there, while Sofiia embarked on a grueling seven-day car journey with her mother and younger sisters. Despite these differences, the two girls form a deep friendship, leaning on each other as they navigate classes, cultural shifts, and memories of the lives they left behind. They juggle the demands of attending the University of Barcelona with online courses at their Ukrainian university, staying tethered to their homeland through virtual connections with friends and family.
Through the eyes of these three young women, Refugee Girls reveals the scars left by conflict and displacement, but also the resilience that allows them to move forward. While the shadows of their past remain, their youth and determination shine through, offering a glimpse of hope as they seize the opportunities their new lives in Europe present.
