HollywoodOn Productions: Janet Donovan & Brendan Kownacki
This article for first posted on September 26th 2015
“This is really a father-daughter story that I think speaks to everyone,” director Davis Guggenheim told Hollywood on the Potomac at the Washington, DC premiere of “He Named Me Malala” presented by National Geographic Channel, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Participant Media, Image Nation Abu Dhabi, and The Malala Fund.
The father-daughter timeline goes like this: Malala Yousafzai was born in Mingora, in Pakistan’s Swat Valley. She was named after a folk heroine. Her father entered her name on the family register, a virtual first in a male dominated society. The Taliban took over the Swat Valley and destroyed all schools for girls. Malala stood up for her rights to an education. ‘All I want is an education. And I am afraid of no one.’ That became her motto. She became a blogger for the BBC. She was targeted by the Taliban – hunted and attacked. She survived an almost fatal attack which brought on world-wide attention. She became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. How the father and daughter interacted throughout this timeline is revealed in He Named Me Malala, a must see. Bring the Kleenex!
Oscar-winning director Davis Guggenheim
“Every now and then you come upon a story that can actually go out and do some good in the world,” said producer Walter Parkes who bought the rights to the book. “It’s compelling, emotional and urgent.” Parkes and partner Laurie MacDonald acquired the rights to Malala’s story and her book “I Am Malala” but after meeting her in person, decided no one else could play her which is why her story had to be a documentary.
Tony Safford (Fox Searchlight), Davis Guggenheim, Walter Parkes, Courteney Monroe (Nat Geo Channels)
“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 film debuts in select theaters on Friday, Oct. 2. Additionally, in 2016 the film will air on the National Geographic Channels in 171 countries and 45 languages.” Production Notes “There is not a country that will not have this movie,” declared Guggenheim before the screening, as Fox Searchlight and NatGeo will make it seen around the world.”
Davis Guggenheim, Courteney Monroe (Nat Geo Channels)
“It’s been extraordinary to see how young women from around the world connect with Malala as a role model,” Meighan Stone – President of the Malala Fund – told us, “young people of all ages.”
Inside the making of He Named Me Malala:
