A Girl from Mogadishu

A Girl from Mogadishu is an upcoming Irish Belgium film. It is a true story based on the testimony of Ifrah Ahmed, who—having escaped war-torn Somalia—emerged as one of the world’s foremost international activists against gender-based violence. Filming in Belgium commenced October 18th, 2017 and was completed in Ireland and Morocco. The film stars Aja Naomi King as Ifrah, Martha Cango Antonio, Barkhad Abdi, and Maryam Mursals.

Plot
Born into a refugee camp in war-torn Somalia, Ifrah is trafficked to Ireland as a teenager. Recounting her traumatic childhood experiences of female genital mutilation when applying for refugee status, she is re-traumatised and vows to devote her life to the eradication of the practice. Taking her campaign all the way to the President of Ireland and finally to the European Parliament and United Nations. A Girl from Mogadishu celebrates the power of testimony, for when women find the courage to stand-up, speak out, and tell their truth, the impact can be so inspiring and empowering that act as a meaningful catalyst for change.

Production
The film is a Pembridge (Ireland) and Umedia (Belgium) production, with production services provided by Dune Film Productions in Morocco. Post-production took place at Windmill Pictures, Dublin and UMedia VFX, Brussels.

Principal photography began in Belgium in October 2017. The film was also shot in Dublin and Morocco in 2018.

Cast

 * Aja Naomi King as Ifrah Ahmed
 * Martha Canga Antonio as Amala
 * Barkhad Abdi as Hassan
 * Luke Spencer Roberts as NGO Rep
 * Maryam Mursal as Grandmother
 * Ken Ndiaye as Father
 * Maggie O'Kane as Catherine Riley