Film trailer of the week: He Named Me Malala

SHE was shot in the head for wanting to go to school, but facing death was just another chapter in Malala’s incredible story, charted in this film
Malala Yousafzai stands with her father Ziauddin. Picture: Getty ImagesMalala Yousafzai stands with her father Ziauddin. Picture: Getty Images
Malala Yousafzai stands with her father Ziauddin. Picture: Getty Images

WHAT IS IT?

A feature-length documentary by Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth) detailing the past life and family history of Malala Yousafzai. The unique film uses animation, real life footage and interviews to paint a portrait of the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

Malala Yousafzai stands with her father Ziauddin. Picture: Getty ImagesMalala Yousafzai stands with her father Ziauddin. Picture: Getty Images
Malala Yousafzai stands with her father Ziauddin. Picture: Getty Images

In case you don’t know the story: Pakistani schoolgirl Malala was shot in the head by the Taliban for writing a blog for the BBC Urdu service about her fears that her school would be attacked and that she would unable to continue her education. In October 2012, she was shot three times while boarding the bus to school. The gravely injured Malala was then transferred to England for intensive rehabilitation where she now lives with her family. After her recovery, she continued to fight for the rights of young people and is now a prominent activist. At the age of 17, she was co-recipient of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize for her struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education. As well as telling Malala’s incredible story, the film looks back at her past life in Pakistan, family history and close relationship with her parents to shed light on her passion, bravery and inspiration.

DOES IT LOOK ANY GOOD?

Hide Ad

Malala’s story has the perfect ingredients for a big-screen hit and, combined with a talented documentary maker, looks like an all-round great film. Some would suggest that being shot in the head by the Taliban is the defining moment in Malala’s life but the attack pales in comparison to her achievements before and after. It’s an important story that has to be seen to be believed.

• He Named Me Malala is out on general release now. Read Claire Black’s interview with Malala’s father Ziauddin here

Related topics: