By Jason Apuzzo. IndieWIRE is reporting today that North American rights to Duane Baughman’s 2010 Sundance documentary Bhutto have been picked up by First Run Features. A November theatrical release is planned for North America, with home video, internet platforms, and television to follow. According to IndieWIRE:
“Bhutto” follows the epic story of Benazir Bhutto, the first woman in history to lead a Muslim nation. She 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.
We’ve embedded the film’s trailer above. We’re pleased to see this film get picked up. Benazir Bhutto was a fascinating and complex woman whose shocking assassination in 2007 ended the hope of many people that the current Pakistani regime could be effectively reformed. Bhutto’s story, and that of her family, is very much the story of modern Pakistan. We will keep an eye on this film, and report down the line on screenings.
Posted on June 29th, 2010 at 11:52am.
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I always thought Benazir Bhutto’s life would make a very dramatic film. How tragic that her life should be ended early when she still had so much to give to Pakistan.
Her death was a devastating blow. Frankly I wish there’d been more protection for her, given how dangerous her return was.
I still can’t get over the shock of Benazir Bhutto’s death. I literally howled when I heard the news. It was also very clear that this was going to happen…even though she had a lot of support from members of her own party and many who wanted to see her run Pakistan again, there were probably more who were against her. Unfortunately the latter included many in power who could have given her much better protection than she had. Even if she had had better protection, however, I think the result would have been the same. In an environment where suicide bombers have become so prevalent, someone would have found a way to eliminate her. It is still unfortunate that it happened so soon.
Sundance seems to be giving a lot of non-liberal films a shot these days. That’s a good sign. Redford must be off his meds.