Academy Award Winning Director Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth - 2006) graciously guides the viewing audience into the life and times of Malala Yousafzi, the young Pakistani girl (youngest Nobel Prize Winner - 2014) who was shot in her school bus (along with two friends) in 2012 by the Taliban. At the heart of this educational and heartwarming film is the relatable and kind Malala, the daughter of outspoken father Toor Pekai, reserved mother Khushal and sister to two equally enjoyable brothers Ziauddin and Atal. Through personal interviews that bring forth the light that shines within Malala and her family, we learn of her upbringing, gain insight into her family and community, and learn of her writing relationship with the BBC before and through the rise of the Taliban. Making the story accessible (especially to the younger audience), Guggenheim perfectly intertwines (though animation) the story behind Malala's name - the name comes from a Pashtun woman who encouraged the Afghan forces to fight on during the Battle of Maiwand. This is a remarkable story that deserves to be told and experienced by all, especially today's young women. "Let us pick-up our books and our pencils. They are our most powerful weapon". Look for this one to move right to the top for Award consideration.
Review of He Named Me Malala
