I saw this film last night at the Mill Valley Film Festival. Although it lacks the polish of a Hollywood film, it was compelling, dramatic and beautifully shot. I had thought I knew all about FGM, but I learned some things from the film. I hadn't known, for example, about economic aspects of FGM.

The film uses the activist's testimony from her speeches and writings as a subtle background narration in a dramatization of her life. It follows her as she flees war-torn Somalia and escapes to Ireland, where she is granted asylum as a refugee. Later she returns to Somalia, and this is the most dramatic aspect of the film.

Hundreds of millions of women have had FGM or are at risk. I hope this film is released nationally so that more people will gain an understanding of the issue.

I think the high ratings are to applaud and encourage public awareness of FGM rather than for the film itself. The real life story is interesting and important. The film is poorly written. Save your time, watch a documentary, read "Infidel."

Even tho this topic is quite disturbing, it is also enlightening. The cast was endearing and came across as truthful. Love how this topic of brutality is actually discussed through the medium of film so more folks can understand the implications of such a travesty.