The Cruel Cut

Is ‘cultural sensitivity’ really preventing discussion of female genital mutilation? Tonight, Leyla Hussein (who was cut at the age of seven) approaches passers-by in the UK and persuades several of them to sign a petition in favour of FGM, on the grounds that it’s a valuable tradition among certain communities. She does lose a point or two for blaming this on ‘political correctness’ – surely a lazily selected target – but, even so, there’s an ignorance here that needs to be addressed and for the most part, Hussein faces it with heart and gusto.

It’s genuinely shocking that, in the 28 years since FGM became illegal in the UK, there hasn’t been a single prosecution for the offence. Theresa May, who seems to dodge a meeting with Hussein, doesn’t come out of this film particularly well. But in any case, real progress will surely come when the relevant communities see the light about what FGM involves.

Accordingly, this film’s most revelatory moment is Hussein’s demonstration, to a group of young men, of exactly what the procedure entails. Several of them had seemed to be casually in favour of FGM beforehand – their horror and nausea at finding out exactly what they’re condoning is predictable but uplifting too. This is a very personal mission for Hussein and it shows – here, she’s made a valuable contribution to the cause.