Visit Your Local PBS Station PBS Home PBS Home Programs A-Z TV Schedules Support PBS Shop PBS Search PBS
NOW on PBS
This Week's Show TV Schedule Newsletter NOW Classroom Feedback Forum Contact Us Archive
Next Time on NOW
The economic crisis: What can Obama do?
The Week's Most Popular Videos
NOW on Demand
Subscribe to our RSS newsfeed or podcast to get NOW where and when you want it
Act NOW
Week of 8.8.08

Dinner With the President

When Pakistani filmmaker Sabiha Sumar chose to make a film about democracy in her country, she didn't just request a traditional interview with the Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf, she insisted on a formal dinner. To her surprise, Musharaf -- who is facing impeachment charges after running Pakistan for nearly nine years -- agreed. Sumar spent the evening grilling Musharraf about the state of affairs in their sharply polarized culture.

Sumar's documentary "Dinner With the President," includes candid interviews with a wide range of Pakistanis, from religious fundamentalists to partiers on a Pakistani beach.

This week, NOW's David Brancaccio talks with Sumar about the film, about America's cultural and political relationship with Pakistan, and about Musharraf's desire to democratize his nation while functioning as its dictator.

Is Pakistan the biggest security threat in the world? As the crisis facing Musharraf deepens, a filmmaker shares her rare insider's view of a troubled leader in a troubled country.


Related Links:

Jazbah.org: Sabiha Sumar: Working for the Arts and Women's Rights

Newshour: Politics of Pakistan

Vidhi Films: Dinner with the President

Why Democracy?: Dinner with the President

The New York Times: Pakistan Coalition Moves to Impeach Musharraf

The New York Times: Close Musharraf Allies Say He Has No Plans to Resign Under Pressure


Program Resources
» Video
» Audio [mp3, 48kbps]:
Stream, Download, Podcast
» Transcript
» Print
» Buy a DVD
» Contact Us
»
The Candidates on Pakistan:

Reuters: Obama calls for better India-Pakistan ties

National Journal: McCain, Obama share some views on security



About  |  Contact Us  |  Pledge
© 2008 JumpStart Productions. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy