BHUTTO, Riveting documentary of iconic Muslim leader of Pakistan, Benazir January 7, 2011

Landmark’s Shattuck Cinemas 2230 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley (510) 464-5980
Showtimes (valid 1/7-13): daily at 2:40, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Director Duane Baughman in person: Sunday, January 9, 5:00pm show (followed by meet and greet at Lot 68 connected to Shattuck)
Tickets are $10.00 for general admission and $8.00 for seniors, students, and children
Tickets available at: http://www.landmarktheatres.com/tickets and theatre box office.

BHUTTO is the definitive documentary about one of the most complex and fascinating characters of our time—the first woman in history to lead a Muslim nation: Pakistan. Educated at Harvard and Oxford, Benazir Bhutto’s life changed forever when her father, Pakistan’s first democratically elected president, chose her to carry his political mantle over the family’s eldest son. In the late ‘70s, when Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was overthrown and executed by his handpicked Army Chief, Benazir swore to avenge her father and restore democracy—or to die trying. Her two terms in power saw acts of courage and controversy as she eradicated polio and stood up for women, while fighting the male-dominated political elite, and a nervous military leadership, while battling accusations of corruption and scandal. In 2007, with the South Asian 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 a legacy of simmering controversy and undeniable courage that will be debated for years.

Duane Baughman, owner and founder of the San Francisco-based Yellow Pad Productions, spent nearly 3 years directing, producing, and funding BHUTTO. The documentary features interviews with experts, friends and Bhutto family members – frequently offering confrontational and opposing views – including: Asif Ali Zardari, current President of Pakistan; children Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari and Assefa Bhutto Zardari; Pakistan expert, co-author and friend Mark Siegel; Pervez Musharraf, former Pakistani President now living in exile in London, who has announced his intention to regain power; Condoleezza Rice, former U.S. Secretary of State; Peter Galbraith, former U.S. diplomat; Arianna Huffington, Benazir’s college friend; sister Sanam Bhutto; niece Fatima Bhutto, and others. And, using newly uncovered never-before-heard audio tapes, BHUTTO features Benazir telling her own story in her own voice.
http://www.bhuttothefilm.com/

Winner: Sonoma International Film Festival - Special Jury Award for Outstanding Historical Documentary
Official Selection: 2010 Sundance Film Festival
Official Selection: 2010 HotDocs Film Festival

“Lively, thorough, and involving.” – Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

“A worthy portrait of a phenomenal woman.” – John Anderson, Variety

The film’s running time is 1 hour 51 minutes; it is not rated.