'He Named Me Malala' documentary trailer released

The documentary is for the millions of girls struggling to get access to quality secondary education


Entertainment Desk June 19, 2015
The documentary is for the millions of girls struggling to get access to quality secondary education. PHOTO: THE GUARDIAN

Malala has been making headlines all over the world. It comes as no surprise that there is a documentary being made on the young girl. The trailer of the biopic He Named Me Malala was released on the official Facebook page of Malala Fund.

According to a press release, the documentary is shot by renowned documentary filmmaker Davis Guggenheim, who is also the maker of An Inconvenient Truth and Waiting for Superman.

The documentary is based on Malala Yousufzai, a girl from Swat Valley in Pakistan who was targeted by the Taliban at the age of 15. She was severely wounded by a gunshot when returning home on her school bus.

Malala, who will turn 18 in July, was singled out, along with her father, for advocating girls education, and the attack on her sparked an outcry from supporters around the world. Malala miraculously survived and is now a leading campaigner for girls’ education globally as co-founder of the Malala Fund.

PHOTO: TIME.COM

In He Named Me Malala, Davis shows how the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala, her father Zia and her family are committed to fighting for the education for all the girls worldwide. He gives us a close glimpse into this girl’s life telling us about her bond with her father who inspired her love and passion for education, her motivating speeches at the UN and her everyday life with family.

The launch of the film will also coincide with an international advocacy and fundraising campaign in partnership with the Malala Fund, Malala’s nonprofit organization working to empower adolescent girls globally through a quality secondary education.

PHOTO: NEWSWEEK.COM

“One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world," said Malala.

As reported by Deadline Hollywood, the documentary will be aired by National Geographic Channel in 171 countries in 45 languages. It will also be promoted via Nat Geo through all of the company’s resources including the National Geographic magazine, National Geographic Digital Media, National Geographic Education Programs and National Geographic Kids.

“This is a film that you leave not only feeling incredibly inspired but truly wanting to make a difference,” National Geographic Channels CEO Courteney Monroe said in a statement. “As leaders in bringing stories of global importance to the largest audience possible, it is more than just an honor to be part of this project, I feel it is our duty. That is why we are joining this project as true partners, from the global theatrical release through our eventual television broadcast, and dedicating our collective resources to bring Malala’s important journey and advocacy for girls’ education to millions of people worldwide.”

The documentary is produced by Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald under their long-term production partnership with Image Nation Abu Dhabi and co-financed by Participant Media.

The film will be released in October.



The icon has garnered many followers internationally who admire her courage and support her cause.






'Ignore the formal stuff, tell the truth'

Malala appeared on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart on Thursday night to talk about her upcoming documentary.

https://instagram.com/p/4Fns2MNOZV/

In what was her second appearance on the show - and perhaps the last with Stewart at the helm, Malala said that her campaign for education under the banner of the Malala Fund was not something that had been forced upon her.

“Sometimes people think that it has been forced upon me or I haven’t chosen this life, but the reality is that I have chosen this life. If I didn’t like it, I could have said no.”

Malala also reiterated her desire to visit her native Swat Valley in Pakistan.

“I think it’s such a precious thing in your life that you are… with your people, your relatives, your friends, and I think whoever has this opportunity should be thankful.”

When Stewart remarked on Malala’s straightforward way of telling world leaders what they need to fix, she said, “Yes, I think you have to sometimes ignore all the formal stuff, and tell the truth.”

“I think it is important for world leaders to think what is the impact of their decisions on common people,” she added.

In a far more jovial mood than when she first appeared on the show in 2013, Malala joked with Stewart about his remarks comparing Swat and New Jersey.

"Do you still think it's as beautiful as New Jersey?" Malala poked Stewart after a clip of the picturesque valley had been shown.

COMMENTS (3)

Fazal rehman mangal | 8 years ago | Reply Malala is a hero becouse we know when she stand for education right that time was very crictical.
jagmohan | 8 years ago | Reply It is saddening that masses,media and their leaders are just quiet on the name of Malala,seems that she never belonged to Pakistan.Realize her pathetic wish that she wants to see dirty streets of her town,away from illuminating landscape of the West.She got shot on her head by terrorists,cause girl's right of education. World has acknowledged her determination and sacrifice,Being Nobel Laureate,she has added great distinction to the crown of Pakistan.It is a puzzle,why Malala is not accorded the honour of brand ambassador of Girl's Education in Pakistan.It is just guess,whether her recognition and return would add to the fire of extremism, that presently being doused by armed forces in the country.Curious watchers are worried that even small incidents spread like wild fire in the country,mass upsurge takes violent form.Sacrifice of Joan,a young girl comes to mind,that all honours bestowed on her,when she was no more.Hope Malala to get due recognition,soon. Long live Malala.
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