First Run Features announced today its acquisition of BHUTTO, the award-winning documentary by Duane Baughman that chronicles the life of one of the most complex and fascinating characters of our time: Benazir Bhutto.
A World Premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and now a smash theatrical hit in the UK, BHUTTO is a tale of Shakespearean dimension – an epic story about the first woman in history to lead a Muslim nation – Pakistan.
TIME Magazine called Pakistan “the most dangerous place in the world” with good reason: the 6th largest country on the planet (population: 180 million), Pakistan is bordered by Iran, Afghanistan and long-time rival India, with whom it has engaged in a decades-long and smoldering conflict. Pakistan is riven with often violent internal dissent between various tribes and political factions. And Pakistan remains the world’s only nuclear-armed Muslim nation.
Benazir Bhutto was born into a wealthy family that has become Pakistan’s dominant political dynasty. Often referred to as the “Kennedys of Pakistan,” the Bhuttos share a painful history of triumph and tragedy, played out on an international stage.
Educated at Harvard and Oxford, Benazir’s life changed forever when her father, Pakistan’s first democratically elected president, chose Benazir, instead of his eldest son, to carry his political mantle. After her father was overthrown and executed by his handpicked Army Chief, Benazir swore to avenge him and to restore democracy – or die trying.
Benazir lived a life of contradictions. She broke the Islamic glass ceiling, but was wed in a traditional arranged marriage to Karachi playboy Asif Ali Zardari. Her two terms in power saw acts of courage and controversy as she restored democracy, eradicated polio, helped advance the status of women, and fought extremism, all the while battling politically-charged accusations of corruption and cronyism.
In 2007, with the country rolling in turmoil and under the thumb of yet another military dictator, Benazir was called back onto the world stage as Pakistan’s best hope for democracy. With her assassination she transcended politics, but left behind a legacy of simmering controversy and undeniable courage that will be debated for years.
A November theatrical release is planned for North America, with home video, internet platforms, and television to follow. Educational sales begin immediately.