Discussion Panel Questions for the Screening of
Bhutto
Thursday, April 14, 2010 at WQED

An intimate look at one of the most fascinating and important world leaders of our time, Benazir Bhutto. As the first woman to lead an Islamic nation, the former Pakistani Prime Ministers life story unfolds like a tale of Shakespearean dimensions.

This panel discussion was guest-moderated by the WQED Education Department's Manager of Outreach, Amy Puffenberger.

If you are interested in using this film in your classroom, including video modules with newly developed lesson plans and curriculum, please contact us at outreach@wqed.org.

1. Introduction to the discussion panelists and discussing whether the film is objective in its portrayal of the life and story of Benazir Bhutto and Pakistan. Listen

2. Our panelists discuss what we, the audience and American public, should know about the history of Pakistan in the context of the film that we may not know. Listen

3. What tools and methods does the filmmaker use in the documentary to dramatize the story? Listen

4. Dr. Michael Goodhart talks about how whether the story of Benazir Bhutto's struggle to bring democracy to Pakistan as presented in the film is representative of other countries' struggles for democracy. Listen

5. The panelists talk about U.S. and Pakistani relations in the context of the film and in our current political climate and society. Listen

6. Our panelists speculate on what may have happened had Benazir Bhutto not been assassinated. Listen

7. The panelists discuss the many factors affecting the democratization of Pakistan. Listen

8. The panelists discuss the role of youth in the democratization of countries in the Middle East and Southeastern Asia, including Pakistan. Listen

9. The panelists discuss the controversies surrounding Benazir Bhutto's life and whether or not the film is objective in its portrayal of these issues. Listen

Panelists for Bhutto:

Dr. A.S.M. Ali Ashraf, School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh
Dr. Michael Goodhart, Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of Undergraduate Studies at the University of Pittsburgh
Dr. Christina Michelmore, Associate Professor of History and Chair, History Department at Chatham University
Julie Nakama, English and Film Studies Departments at the University of Pittsburgh