‘He Named Me Malala’ is directed by Davis Guggenheim.
AB Wire
NEW YORK: National Geographic Channel will help in the global theatrical release in October of Academy Award winner Davis Guggenheim’s feature documentary ‘He Named Me Malala’, an intimate portrait of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai, who was targeted by the Taliban and severely wounded by a gunshot when returning home on her school bus in Pakistan’s Swat Valley.
Additionally, in 2016, the film will air on the National Geographic Channels in 171 countries and 45 languages, including in India.
“This is a film that you leave not only feeling incredibly inspired, but truly wanting to make a difference. 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,” said Courteney Monroe, CEO, National Geographic Channels, in a statement.
“That is why we are joining this project as true partners (with Fox Searchlight Pictures), 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,” she added.
The documentary offers a look into Yousafzai’s life both before and following the attack. Fifteen at the time of the incident, she was singled out, along with her father, for advocating for girls’ education. The shooting 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.
Fox Searchlight Pictures Presidents Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula termed the film endeavor as “…Davis’ masterful eye captures this inspiring young individual and we are proud to champion her efforts to bring awareness to the critical global issue of the education of girls.”
Guggenheim (“An Inconvenient Truth,” “Waiting for Superman”) examines also how Malala, her father Zia and her family are committed to fighting for education for all girls worldwide. The film delivers an inside glimpse into this extraordinary young girl’s life – from her close relationship with her father who inspired her love for education, to her impassioned speeches at the United Nations, to joking around at home with her parents and brothers.
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.