Koromousso – Big Sister courageously denounces the taboo of female genital mutilation, offering an intimate portrayal of three resilient African women in Canada, shedding light on their journeys of reconstruction and calling for urgent action to address this persisting and unacceptable reality.
Koromousso – Big Sister, directed by Habibata Ouarme and Jim Donovan, is a documentary that sheds light on the taboo practice of female genital mutilation. Premiering at the 2023 Human Rights Watch Film Festival in Toronto and making its Quebec debut at Montreal International Documentary Festival (RIDM) 2023, the film takes a poignant dive into the lives of three remarkable African women living in Canada after migrating, forcefully denouncing a persistent and unacceptable reality.
Despite the worldwide ban on excision, over 200 million women have undergone genital mutilation, with a staggering projection of more than 60 million additional cases in the next twelve years at the current rate. In Canada, as in many other countries, access to reconstructive surgery remains challenging, marked by a shortage of trained healthcare professionals and virtually non-existent psychological support.
The documentary immerses viewers in the lives of three extraordinary women. Habibata Ouarme, also the director, and Zainabou Ouedraogo are two committed activists against female genital mutilation, both survivors of excision who have undergone reconstructive surgery. Safieta Sawadogo, excised in her childhood, courageously fights, documented over several months in the film, to reclaim the femininity cruelly taken from her. Interventions from specialists, including a Canadian gynecologist trained in reconstructive surgery and a psychologist, serve to support and rationalize the narrative, enhancing the clarity of the message.
The filmmakers’ close connection with the subjects translates into capturing intimate scenes where women open up and share their traumas. Beyond its role as a vehement denouncement of this barbaric ancestral practice, the film stands as a powerful testimony to women’s journeys toward reconstruction. It offers a valuable perspective for viewers to better comprehend the endured sufferings and, perhaps, encourage those experiencing similar hardships to take steps towards healing. The documentary also highlights the Canadian government’s inaction in addressing the distress of these women. Forced to seek surgery abroad, they often lack adequate social protection during recovery, discouraging them from seeking help and potentially exposing them to risks post-surgery. Safieta’s case, unpaid during her sick leave and compelled to return to work shortly after the operation, illustrates the challenges hindering swift recovery.
In conclusion, Koromousso – Big Sister proves to be a powerful film, tackling a crucial topic that unfortunately remains shrouded in taboo. It not only serves as a call for awareness but also urges governments and society to take meaningful steps to support and protect the countless women affected by this brutal practice.
