The story of Malala Yousafzai is one that has been extensively covered in world media, particularly in the West. So much so that as I watched the Davis Guggenheim-directed He Named Me Malala, I found there to be very little I wasn’t already aware of.

This is not to say that watching He Named Me Malala was a redundant exercise, because I welcomed the opportunity to learn a little more about Malala’s hometown and the events that led to the reason so many people know her name today.

Guggenheim’s documentary tells you Malala’s story from before she was born to how her life has irrevocably changed since the fateful incident when the Taliban aimed a gun at her head and fired. Her crime? Simply going to school.

I enjoyed learning about Malala, the strong, intelligent and brave teenager who happens to be incredibly wise beyond her years. I also welcomed the glimpse into the beautiful relationship between Malala and her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, as well as her relationship with her two younger brothers.

As I watched and learned of several unsettling statistics about how millions of people, especially girls around the world, are deprived of an education, I was reminded of just how true the following statement is.

‘When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace‘ _ Jimi Hendrix

The very impatient side of me just really wishes that ‘when’ were a date rather than a question because change for the good of the many seems to be the kind that always takes far too long to arrive. Yet, hopeful we must remain.

Happy Film Loving,

G