The shooting of the film adaptation of my book „Desert Flower“ has commenced.

12-year-old Soraya plays me as a little girl.

On the 29 March 2008, work on the film adaptation of my book „Desert Flower“ began in Djibouti. Peter Herrmann, Academy Award winner of 2003 for “Nowhere in Africa”, is producing the film, Sherry Hormann is directing it. Up until last week I was present at the shooting and am delighted by the commitment and professionalism of the whole team!

The town of Djibouti is very similar to Mogadishu, the desert „Grand Barra“ bears strong resemblances to my homeland. During the shooting, childhood memories emerged in me every now and then which moved me to tears.

All actors and extras are Somalis and are very dedicated to their work. Soraya, a 12 year old Somali girl, plays me as a child. I have already become very fond of her, as well as of the boy who plays my brother “old man” and is the spitting image of him.

Since my return I feel very homesick for Somalia. I know that I will go back one day.