Surprised guests at special screening of Malala’s documentary
Twenty-two students and I had the incredible opportunity to attend a special screening of Malala Yousafzai’s documentary, He Named Me Malala, on April 12 at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.
When we arrived we were informed that Malala herself was going to come speak to us after the screening of the film, which was an incredible surprise! Her documentary was profoundly moving, with vivid storytelling of how the Taliban took control of her home, Swat Valley. The most memorable and difficult part of the film for me to watch was when pictures taken in the school bus after she was shot were displayed slowly, the music cut out and the theatre was completely silent. There was nothing to distract the audience from the discomfort created by the pictures and their significance. I also thought the relationship between Malala, her father, and her family was beautifully portrayed.
Malala in person was just as humble and powerful as on screen. The way she spoke upon matters of female education and issues was very calm, yet self-assured. She is wise beyond her age, yet I was struck by how normal she was when she began speaking about her life as a student at the University of Oxford. Hearing Malala speak was a privilege, and an experience I will hold with me forever.
Linda H.
