The lives and dreams of nine girls born into what's described as "unforgiving circumstances" around the world are the focus of a new documentary.

"Girl Rising" is directed by Oscar nominee Richard E. Robbins and features narration by a host of famous performers, from Cate Blanchett to Salma Hayek to Alicia Keys to Meryl Streep.

The film is part of 10x10, a global campaign to educate and empower girls. And it will be screened Friday at the Garde Arts Center.

Afterward, there will be a panel discussion with "Girl Rising" Creative Director Martha Adams and local community leaders. WNPR Business Desk Editor Harriet Jones will host.

The Garde screening came about through Commander Erica Mohr from the U.S. Coast Guard Leadership Development Center. She heard about "Girl Rising" during a new Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association Women's Leadership Initiative to improve the Coast Guard's retention of women.

She approached the Garde about screening the movie there and then began asking civic leaders and organizations about taking part. Among the participants: the Women and Girls Fund of the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, Mystic Area Shelter and Hospitality, and New London Youth Affairs.

- KRISTINA DORSEY

"Girl Rising," 7:30 p.m. Friday, Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London; $10; also, at 6:30 p.m., a reception and expo about efforts to improve the quality of life and education in New London and ways to get involved; (860) 444-7373, gardearts.org.