Desert Flower ("Wüstenblume" )Trailer English

Theatrical release in Germany: September 24, 2009 Written And Directed By: Sherry Hormann Cast: Liya Kebede, Sally Hawkins, Timothy Spall, Juliet Stevenson, Craig Parkinson, Anthony Mackie, Meera Syal, Soraya Omar-Scego Her story touched the hearts of millions: Waris Diries book Desert Flower, which recounts her incredible journey from an African nomad girl to an international top model, became a worldwide bestseller with more than 11million sold copies. This is the inspiring story of an extraordinary, proud and brave woman. Successful director and scriptwriter Sherry Hormann (FATHERS DAY) and producer and Oscar® winner Peter Herrmann (NOWHERE IN AFRICA) have adapted Diries autobiography for the screen: a modern fairy tale between dazzling glamour and archaic rituals, full of vitality, emotional depth and enormous compassion and at the same time a gripping plea against the terrible and inhuman tradition of female genital mutilation. Top model and actress Liya Kebede excels in the main role alongside an ensemble of first-class character actors including Silver Bear and Golden Globe winner Sally Hawkins (HAPPY-GO-LUCKY), Timothy Spall (HARRY POTTER, SECRETS AND LIES), Craig Parkinson (CONTROL), Juliet Stevensen (KICK IT LIKE BECKHAM), Anthony Mackie (8 MILE) and Meera Syal (SCOOP). Like in a fairy tale, Somalian-born Waris Dirie became one of the worlds most soughtafter top models. Born into a family of goat-herding nomads, Waris fascinating path would take her from the Northeast African deserts to the worlds most prestigious fashion runways and magazines. At 13, Waris fled forced marriage and crossed days of desert alone before reaching the Somali capital Mogadishu. Relatives soon shipped her off to London to work as a servant in the Somali embassy, where she spent the rest of her adolescent years in illiteracy. When faced with the threat of returning to war-torn Somalia, Waris finds herself homeless and illegal. Spunky shopgirl Marilyn takes Waris in and becomes a trusted friend. While working in a fast food restaurant, Waris is discovered by star photographer Terry Donaldson, and ambitious agent Lucinda guides her transformation into a working model. But behind the glamorous facade of Waris new life lies a deeply heart-stirring fate. Despite her success, Waris remains burdened by a violent childhood secret. At the height of her career, Waris reveals to the world that she was a victim of female genital mutilation. Her story unleashes a wave of sympathy and controversy, and Waris decides to dedicate her life to fighting this barbaric tradition.