Independent Lens Season 12 Episode 23 Bhutto

Bhutto is an episode of the award-winning documentary series Independent Lens, chronicling the life and times of the late Benazir Bhutto, the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan.

The episode provides a comprehensive insight into the compelling and dramatic life of this iconic leader who fought tirelessly for democracy in a country that has been plagued by coups, military dictatorships and political instability for decades. Through a series of extensive interviews with Bhutto's family, friends, political associates, and journalists, the episode offers viewers an intriguing and revealing look into the life and legacy of one of the most important political figures in modern Pakistani history.

The episode follows the story of Bhutto, tracing her roots from her privileged upbringing in an aristocratic Pakistani family to her ascendance as a transformative political leader in a male-dominated society. Viewers are taken on a journey through her family's political history, dating back to her father Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's rise to power in the 1970s, leading to his subsequent ousting and execution by a military coup.

Against this backdrop of political turmoil and chaos, Bhutto emerged as a beacon of hope for the Pakistani people, fighting for democracy and women's rights, and striving to bring stability to her country. She became the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan in 1988, and served two non-consecutive terms, during which time she was revered and also reviled for her uncompromising and often contentious leadership style.

The episode expertly navigates the complex and often contradictory nature of Bhutto's personality and political persona. It explores her larger-than-life public image, as well as her more personal side, including her relationship with her family, her husband Asif Ali Zardari, and her children.

Central to the episode's narrative is the ongoing mystery and controversy surrounding Bhutto's assassination in 2007, while campaigning for a third term as Prime Minister. The episode delves into the various conspiracy theories and official investigations surrounding her death, exploring the impact it has had on Pakistan's political landscape.

Bhutto offers a fascinating and engaging portrait of a woman who defied convention, shattered glass ceilings, and challenged the status quo in a society that often sought to marginalize her. The episode is a powerful tribute to the enduring legacy of one of the most important political figures of our time and a story that is sure to inspire audiences around the world.