June 28, 2010 06:00 ET

Washington D.C. Premiere of Bhutto

New Documentary Explores Modern Pakistan and Highlights Controversial, Inspirational Leader

More Than 400 Gather to Preview Landmark Film, Hear From Pakistani Ambassador and Bhutto Sister

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - June 28, 2010) -  The Independent Television Service (ITVS) is proud to announce the Washington, D.C. premiere of the acclaimed documentary Bhutto on Tuesday, June 29th, 7:00 PM at the National Geographic Society headquarters.

A portrait of one of the most fascinating and complex figures of our time, Bhutto is the epic tale of the life, career, and assassination of Benazir Bhutto, who broke the Islamic glass ceiling as the first woman leader of a Muslim country.

This timely screening occurs only one week after the famous political leader would have turned 57 years old, and features a rare appearance and opening remarks from Ms. Sanam Bhutto, Benazir's sister and only living sibling; His Excellency Husain Haqqani, Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States; and Patricia Harrison, President and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Following the film, a post-screening discussion hosted by PBS NewsHour's Judy Woodruff will provide additional perspective on the film and Ms. Bhutto's life and work. The film's director Duane Baughman and producer Mark Siegel will be present to participate and take questions.

Bhutto makes its national broadcast premiere on the Emmy Award-winning PBS series Independent Lens in March 2011, in celebration of Women's History Month.

"We are honored to have the opportunity to present this powerful documentary to an audience of policymakers and other officials; but more important still will be our work to use this film as an opportunity to engage communities and educators around the country on one of the most important issues facing U.S. foreign policy: our relationship with Pakistan," said Sally Jo Fifer, President and CEO of ITVS. "Another outgrowth of the Global Perspectives Project, this important work exemplifies ITVS's dedication to using documentary film to help Americans better understand the world, and the world to better understand America."

Who:		Duane Baughman (filmmaker), Mark Siegel (producer), Ms. Sanam Bhutto (Sister of Benazir), His Excellency Husain Haqqani (Pakistan's Ambassador to the US), Patricia Harrison (President and CEO, Corporation for Public Broadcasting), and Judy Woodruff (moderator/PBSNewsHour)
What:		Bhutto Premiere with Introductory Remarks and Post-screening Discussion
When:		Tuesday, June 29th, 2010 - 7:00 PM
Where:		National Geographic Society - 1600 M Street NW - Washington, D.C.