Last night, as part of the Melbourne International Film Festival, I attended a screening on the film Desert Flower, the story of the life of supermodel Waris Dirie.

While you might imagine a girl discovered in a fast food joint who goes on to become one of the most sought after faces in world is a rags to riches story, this tale is unlike any you have heard before.

From her childhood in Somalia to the heights of New York city, Desert Flower is a story that has to be seen to believed. Even after watching you may not be able to accept the horrors of Dirie’s life; how difficult a life it has been and how she still manages to come out with a smile on her face everytime.

The film, light at times and harrowing at others, is essentially a vehicle to promote the cause closest to Dirie’s heart – that of stopping female genital mutilation around the world. A victim herself through family customs and patriotic beliefs, Waris Dirie has spent the best part of her fame campaigning to end the suffering of over 6000 girls a day.

I can’t put into words they way you will feel after seeing this film. While others in the cinema cried openly, I could only sit in shock and marvel at the strength and courage Dirie has shown throughout her life, angered at the ignorance of outdated traditions.

In this article for The Age, Stephanie Bunbury does a great job of summarising the film when I find myself at a loss for the right words.

Every woman should see this movie, and take the time afterwards to appreciate the life we live and the freedom we have.

For more information on female genital mutilation and the Waris Dirie campaign to end it, visit The Waris Dirie Foundation.

Image One: Desert Flower Movie Poster
Image Two: Waris Dirie (played by Lila Kebede) and roommate Marilyn (played by Sally Hawkins) practise the model walk in the hallway of their apartment building.