Desert Flower (2009)
Kernel Score: 83% · 474 ratings
Genres: Drama
Released: 2009-09-24
Runtime: 120 minutes
Where to watch Desert Flower
- Rent: Apple TV
- Buy: Apple TV
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
The autobiography of a Somalian nomad who was sold in marriage at 13, fled from Africa a while later to become finally an American supermodel and is now at the age of 38, the UN spokeswoman against female genital mutilation.
Desert Flower parents' guide: ages 14+
Parents need to know that Desert Flower is a true-story drama about a Somali woman sold into marriage at 13 and her advocacy against female genital mutilation, containing intense mature themes.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — The film addresses female genital mutilation and forced child marriage as central true-story elements.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — The plot involves being sold into marriage at age 13, referencing exploitation of a minor.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Desert Flower
If you liked Desert Flower, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Captain Phillips (2013) — 86%
- 12th Fail (2023) — 89%
- Hotel Rwanda (2004) — 86%
- Gorillas in the Mist (1988) — 78%
- Beasts of No Nation (2015) — 88%
- The Woman King (2022) — 86%
- Blood Diamond (2006) — 87%
- Emancipation (2022) — 87%
Director
Sherry Hormann
Cast
- Liya Kebede as Waris Dirie
- Sally Hawkins as Marylin
- Craig Parkinson as Neil
- Meera Syal as Pushpa Patel
- Anthony Mackie as Harold Jackson
- Juliet Stevenson as Lucinda
- Timothy Spall as Terry Donaldson
- Lucrezia Phantazia as Girl in Boardinghouse
- Soraya Omar-Scego as Young Waris
- Anna Hilgedieck as Girl in Shower
Desert Flower FAQ
Is Desert Flower good?
Desert Flower has an 83% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 474 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Desert Flower?
In the US you can rent it from Apple TV.
Is Desert Flower OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 14+. Parents need to know that Desert Flower is a true-story drama about a Somali woman sold into marriage at 13 and her advocacy against female genital mutilation, containing intense mature themes.
What movies are like Desert Flower?
If you liked Desert Flower, try Captain Phillips, 12th Fail, Hotel Rwanda and Gorillas in the Mist.