He Named Me Malala
Image: HE NAMED ME MALALA: Malala Yousafzai at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. July 12, 2013. Photo courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures.© 2015 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation All Rights Reserved
He Named Me Malala chronicles the life of Malala Yousafzai, human rights activist and the youngest ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
The documentary explores Malala’s life, growing up in the Swat Valley in Pakistan before the Taliban took control, and her home now in Birmingham in the United Kingdom. Malala and her family were forced to flee Pakistan after she was shot by the Taliban.
Featuring interviews with Malala, her family and interspersed with beautiful animations depicting past events, it’s a fascinating insight into how one young girl was able to get the world to stand up for her cause, advocating the right to education for all women and children.
The relationship between Malala and her father Ziauddin is a central part of the film and it’s very touching to see how Ziauddin has always been her biggest supporter, empowering her from a young age to think for herself.
Upon accepting the Nobel Peace Prize last year, Malala said: “I tell my story, not because it is unique, but because it is not. It is the story of many girls.” This reason alone is worth watching He Named Me Malala, as so often we take the rights of freedom and education for granted. (ASim)
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BY ALICIA SIM
