Malala Yousafzai has actively pursued her mission to improve the world. Known as a global activist for girls' and human rights since she was 12, Yousafzai is the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate in history. She has become accustomed to media attention in her life.
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| Malala Yousafzai Courtesy of Apple TV+ |
Following her acclaimed 2015 documentary He Named Me Malala, inspired by her bestselling memoir I Am Malala, she produced the Oscar-nominated short documentary Stranger at the Gate. At the 2024 Toronto Film Festival, she premiered the Apple documentary The Last of the Sea Women, produced by her company Extracurricular, which launched on Apple TV+ on October 11.
The film explores the endangered tradition of South Korea's all-female haenyeo divers, who have been harvesting sea life off Jeju Island for centuries.
Scott Feinberg of Reporter interviewed the 27-year-old Yousafzai as part of the TIFF Industry Conference’s Visionaries conversation series. They discussed how storytelling has influenced Yousafzai's life and how she uses it as a producer to continue her work from her early years.
With her production company, aptly named Extracurricular to reflect her educational mission, Yousafzai took a practical approach to entering the film industry. “When I launched this production company, I looked for projects to support as an executive producer,” she said. She highlighted the film Joyland, directed by the talented Pakistani filmmaker Saim Sadiq, which tells an important story about a man who falls in love with a transgender erotic dancer.
It was notably one of the first Pakistani films shortlisted for an Oscar, and Yousafzai expressed pride in being involved with it, especially since it won the Independent Spirit Award.
Yousafzai also served as the executive producer for Stranger at the Gate, a short documentary about an ex-Marine who targeted a Muslim community center in Indiana. The film takes a poignant human angle, and Yousafzai attended last year’s Oscars as a result. “It was an incredible experience,” she recalled, having mingled with various celebrities. She noted that having an Oscar-nominated film was eye-opening.
“We still need more representation,” she reflected. “There should be more opportunities for women, people of color, and Muslims to tell their stories. Storytelling can change perspectives in ways that few other things can. It takes time, but human connections can help us view the world more compassionately.”
Yousafzai found a valuable partner in Apple: “I want to collaborate with exceptional women directors, writers, and storytellers who offer different perspectives rarely seen on screen. We chose to partner with Apple because they share our values. We discuss the importance of connecting with the people involved in these documentaries and TV shows, as well as the messages we convey. We also highlight the entertainment value, emphasizing how storytelling can create joy and laughter, uniting people regardless of where they live.”
She was immediately drawn to director Sue Kim's The Last of the Sea Women because she was “shocked to learn about this story.” She noted that few societies are matriarchal, with the haenyeo being one of those rare examples where women are the primary earners and community leaders, working together cooperatively.
“There’s so much to learn from them regarding their relationship with the ocean. The documentary reveals how climate change affects their lives. Many of these women are in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, with some in their 90s, still performing this job, but they may be the last. We also feature younger haenyeo who are part of the TikTok generation, diving and creating videos, bringing hope that this story will inspire others to protect this tradition.”
Yousafzai also spoke about Bread & Roses, which she executive produced. This documentary, premiering in June on Apple TV+, examines the impact of Kabul's fall on women's rights, with Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence as a co-producer. “I’m honored to be part of this project, which tells the stories of three Afghan women after the Taliban takeover,” she said.
“These women began documenting their lives on their phones, illustrating how their circumstances are changing due to new restrictions imposed by the Taliban.”
She shared her thoughts on the female dentist who must conceal her achievements because of the Taliban’s prohibitions against female success. “Afghanistan is the only country that forbids girls from completing their education beyond grade six. It’s shocking to realize this is happening today,” she lamented.
When asked which U.S. presidential candidate would better support women’s rights, Yousafzai responded, “It’s a straightforward question. Just listen to both candidates, and you will find your answer. One clearly states they will take rights away from women, while the other aims to protect them. So go, Kamala Harris, go.”
Yousafzai reflected on her dream of becoming prime minister at age 11 and how her path has now led her to become a producer. While her activism has evolved, her dedication remains unwavering.
“It all started with my story, and I was fortunate that people resonated with it. I’ve always emphasized that I’m not a solitary voice; many girls share similar stories,” she said. “Through my productions and other efforts, I hope to empower more girls.”
