Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff
Published: Tuesday, September 2, 2009
New York (Tadias) – Liya Kebede stars in the new movie Desert Flower, based on the true story of a former African supermodel who rose from a nomadic life to the top of the international modeling business.
The movie is an adaptation of the autobiography of Waris Dirie, who was born in Somalia and moved to London at age of 13 primarily to break loose from an arranged-marriage to a much older man, and a culture that subjected her to female genital mutilation (FGM) when she was only 5-years old. While in London she struggled to make ends meet working at McDonald’s and other odd jobs until she was discovered by photographer Terence Donovan, whose portraits of her would propel her into international stardom. She eventually graced the catwalks of New York, London, Milan and Paris, and was featured on the covers of Vogue, Glamour and Elle magazines. She was depicted in the 1995 BBC documentary entitled A Nomad in New York. In 1997, she ended her modeling work to become a full-time advocate against female circumcision, and subsequently was named a UN ambassador for the abolition of FGM by former Secretary General Kofi Annan.
Kebede, a supermodel herself, appears to be making a smooth transition into the world of acting. Her previous movie stints includes a role in the epic drama The Good Shepherd, directed by Robert De Niro, and the movie Lord of War featuring Nicolas Cage and Bridget Moynahan.
The independent film is scheduled to appear at the Venice Film Festival this month and will be released in Germany on 24 September.
Video: Desert Flower Movie Trailer – English
good work liya!!!!!!!!
Liya is such a great model, talented actress, Humanitarian, Loving Mother and Wife. Her ability to juggle between the lime light and the overwhelming needs of her motherland and love for her family is what makes her great. I believe we are witnessing a birth of great Ethiopian in a way we never see it before. I am happy to see her shine the way she did, but brace yourself, this is just the beginning. I am proud of you and your achievements. I cant wait to hear your accepting speech in Kodak Theater.
Begudu
Seattle
cringe worthy. stay on your lane liya. you are an amazing model – work that.
Great trailer, can’t wait to see the rest! Nice to see Liya K branching out.
Please email me information on where I can find the english sub-titles of this movie. Sounds so much like the story of Iman. I love Mrs. Liya Kebede’s professional and humanitarian work. Nice job Tadias.
Wow super!!! Liya is a symbol of Ethiopians women
wow !!!! I’m so proud by u my sister keep up
I am proud you Liya. I wish you good luck.
She is the most amazing lady I know….
your the best ….., good job
We need your help now.
Julia and I have both lived in Ethiopia and though progress is taking place more must be done.
Julia has qualified as a finalist in a YouTube global competition. If she gets enough votes, she will go to Davos to ask world leaders to help end FGM. She needs thousands of votes to get there before Friday at midnight. Please vote here and vote often, by selecting her video then clicking the green thumb under it: http://www.youtube.com/davos
We can help end FGM in our lifetimes. Please help.
I am from canada and I want to know when the movie is going to hit the screens here?
I am proud of you Liya. You are a very smart and beautiful model. I am happy for everything u have been doing! Good job on your new movie as well. Good luck my sweet sister!