The plight of Pakistani student activist Malala Yousafzai has captured the imagination of Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald, who have signed Davis Guggenheim to direct Image Nation Abu Dhabi’s documentary about the teenager.

Image Nation Abu Dhabi will fully finance the story about 15-year-old Malala, who survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban last October and has gone on to become an internationally renowned advocate for children’s education rights.

Yousafzai became the youngest nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize. Jul 12 was named Malala Day in support of her global education campaign.

The film will document her first visit to the US next month, when she will celebrate her 16th birthday.

“There are few stories Laurie and I have ever come across that are as compelling, urgent or important as the real-life struggle of Malala and her father Ziauddin on behalf of universal education for children,” said Parkes.

“I have two daughters and they are inspired and captivated by Malala’s story and her fight for education for every child,” added Guggenheim. “I believe this movie will speak to every girl and every family in the world.”

“We are honoured to be involved in making a film about such an urgent and timely issue,” said Mohamed Al Mubarak, chairman of Image Nation. “We hope to inspire generations of children worldwide with Malala’s message of courage and strength.”

The film will debut in theatres in late 2014. Yousafzai is represented by Ron Bernstein of ICM on behalf of Karolina Sutton at Curtis Brown.

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