Malala’s life to be unveiled on TV

If you’ve never been able to picture young Malala’s struggles inside your chance to do so again.

National Geographic Channel will air Davis Guggenheim’s upcoming feature documentary “He Named Me Malala” about Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai in 171 countries in 45 languages next year.

In 2012, Malala was targeted by the Taliban and severely wounded by a gunshot when returning home on her school bus in Pakistan’s Swat Valley. FSL will release the film in October.

The film will 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, National Geographic Kids, reported Variety.

“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 honour 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 tells the story of Malala’s life both before and following the attack at the age of 15. She was singled out on a bus, along with her father, for advocating for girls’ education and was shot repeatedly. 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. Guggenheim examines how Malala, her father Zia and her family are committed to fighting for education for all girls worldwide.

The film’s launch also will coincide with an international advocacy and fund-raising campaign in partnership with the Malala Fund, Malala’s non-profit organisation that works to empower adolescent girls globally through a quality secondary education.

The film is being released by Fox Searchlight Pictures, in association with Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Participant Media, with National Geographic Channel.

(With inputs from PTI)