The former German chancellor Angela Merkel is shown in a film still from “Looking for Merkel” by Java Films. Submitted photo

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Camden Public Library’s Friday Film Club is set to watch and discuss two films that document female world leaders who were the first women to hold the top political office in their countries.

“Looking for Merkel” takes a look at Chancellor Angela Merkel, often described as the most powerful woman in the world during her 16 years as leader of Germany. “Bhutto” tells the epic story of Benazir Bhutto, the first woman in history elected to lead a Muslim nation, according to a news release from the library.

There will be an online discussion of the films at 4 p.m. Friday, March 18. To request information about how to stream the films and to receive the Zoom link to attend the discussion, email jpierce@librarycamden.org. Films should be watched prior to the discussion.

Merkel is considered a global icon and an enigma. Her absolute professionalism, her determination to protect her private life, and her minimalist press statements have made her elusive. “Looking for Merkel” director Marion Van Renterghem has been following Merkel for the last decade. Her film strives to unveil the leader by speaking only to people who directly know Merkel ⁠— including the last three French presidents.

“Bhutto” focuses on a favored daughter of the family often called the “Kennedys of Pakistan.” Bhutto was elected prime minister after her father was overthrown and executed by his own military. Her time in power saw acts of courage and controversy as she broke the Islamic glass ceiling, fought for the rights of women, and tried to quell the fires of religious extremism, while battling accusations of corruption.

New members are welcome to join the Friday Film Club. Find more information about this program and other library events at librarycamden.org or call 207-236-3440.

The former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto. Submitted photo

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