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Updated on: July 31, 2025
Originally published on: February 27, 2016
Is it really possible that “one child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world”? This inspiring question is at the heart of He Named Me Malala, a documentary about Malala Yousafzai — the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate and a fearless advocate for girls’ education.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Nat Geo. I received information to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.
About Malala’s Story
Born on July 12, 1997, Malala began speaking out for girls’ education when she was just 11 years old. Growing up in Mingora, Pakistan, she witnessed the Taliban’s harsh crackdown on girls’ schools, with threats, violence, and forced burqas for students and teachers alike.
But Malala’s determination never wavered. She courageously shared her experiences through an online diary that captured life under such extreme conditions.
Then, in October 2012, everything changed. A Taliban gunman shot Malala in the head on her school bus, hoping to silence her. Instead, this attack only strengthened her resolve to fight for education for all children worldwide.
Named after a famous Afghan poet and warrior woman, Malala inherited her namesake’s courage and spirit. This documentary tells her extraordinary story.
What Is He Named Me Malala About?
Based on her bestselling book I Am Malala, the film offers an intimate look at Malala’s life. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth, Waiting for Superman), the documentary explores:
- Malala’s close bond with her father, Ziauddin, a teacher and education activist
- Her recovery and rise as a global advocate for girls’ education
- Powerful speeches at the United Nations
- Everyday moments, from teasing her brothers to studying and enjoying life as a teenager
The movie beautifully shows how one family’s dedication can inspire change worldwide.
My Thoughts on He Named Me Malala
Malala’s story is nothing short of incredible — both deeply touching and truly awe-inspiring. This film gives us an intimate look at her family’s life today in the U.K., alongside the harrowing events that led up to the Taliban’s attack on her. Through a beautiful mix of personal anecdotes and documentary-style interviews, we get to see a side of Malala that many people haven’t witnessed before.
She’s not just the global activist or youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner; she’s also a real teenage girl. The film shows her teasing and playing with her brothers, sharing family moments filled with laughter and love, and even those relatable teenage crushes. Watching her study, joke, and live everyday life makes her story even more human and approachable.
One of the most powerful parts of the film is the spotlight it shines on Malala’s relationship with her father, Ziauddin. He’s a passionate teacher and education activist who has always stood firm on everyone’s right to learn, even when cultural traditions and the Taliban tried to shut down girls’ education in their home region of northwest Pakistan. The deep love, respect, and shared commitment between Malala and her father are woven throughout the film in moments that are as touching as they are inspiring.
The documentary doesn’t just show us Malala’s activism on the world stage — her speeches at the United Nations, her visits to rural schools in Africa — but also the quiet, everyday parts of her life that remind us she’s still just a young woman with hopes and dreams. The balance between her public courage and private moments creates a story that stays with you long after the credits roll.
I could honestly go on and on about this movie — the raw emotion, the hope, the strength — but I’ll just say this: He Named Me Malala is a film everyone should watch. It’s a reminder that one voice, one story, one person truly can change the world.
Where to Watch He Named Me Malala Now
Originally released in theaters and broadcast in 2015-2016, “He Named Me Malala” is widely available today for streaming, rental, or purchase on many major platforms.
- Prime Video (rental)
- Apple TV (rental)
- Google Play (rental)
- YouTube (rental)
Check your favorite service for availability
Support the Malala Fund
Malala co-founded the Malala Fund, an organization dedicated to ensuring girls worldwide have access to education and a platform to raise their voices.
Learn more and support their mission at malala.org.
This film reminded me how powerful education is, and how one voice can truly change the world. If you care about making a difference, this is a story you’ll want to know.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Nat Geo. I received information to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.