Desert Flower (2:00) 2009

Desert Flower is based on the life story of Waris Dirie, a Somalian born girl who eventually becomes an internationally well known model. As a daughter of nomads, Waris suffers with the genital mutilation she endures at age three. When her father arranges for her to be an older man's fourth wife at the age of thirteen, Waris runs away. She ends up in London working as a maid in the Somalian embassy. Waris is eventually left homeless until she is discovered by a famous photographer. Waris is photographed and appears on the cover of women's fashion magazines. She also walks the runway in European countries and then in the United States. Waris eventually tells her life story and helps promote the end of female genital mutilation around the world. Desert Flower is not the perfect movie but it tells a very important story which all women should see and/or be told. Liya Kebede, an Ethiopian born model, portrays Waris and Sally Hawkins is her friend, Marilyn. They both are very good in their roles. There is a short scene on the runway that is not to be missed. Waris is shown walking the runway in four different designer outfits and she is gorgeous. The music playing in the background enhances the scene.