Fox Searchlight and Nat Geo Will Release 'He Named Me Malala' Documentary
21st Century Fox businesses have signed on as key partners in the upcoming release of He Named Me Malala, director Davis Guggenheim's documentary on the life of international girls' education activist Malala Yousafzai. Fox Searchlight will distribute the film, opening in theaters October 2, and the National Geographic Channels will air it the following spring in 171 countries and 45 languages. A global campaign for the Malala Fund will accompany the film's release.
"This is a film that leaves you not only feeling incredibly inspired but truly wanting to make a difference," said National Geographic Channels CEO Courteney Monroe. "As leaders in bringing stories of global importance to the largest audience possible, it is more than just an honor 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 follows Malala's life both before and after she was attacked on her school bus in October 2012 by Taliban gunmen objecting to her activism for the rights of women and girls. She suffered multiple gunshot wounds, only to make a miraculous recovery and return to public life as an international advocate for girls' education. In October 2014, she became the youngest ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
The film's launch will coincide with an international advocacy and fundraising campaign in partnership with the Malala Fund, which awards grants to nonprofits working around the world to empower adolescent girls through a quality secondary education.
He Named Me Malala is being released by Fox Searchlight Pictures, in association with Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Participant Media, with National Geographic Channel.
