There are numerous documentaries and specials about the ill effects of marijuana on Latin American countries. But is there another, funnier side to the story? That seems to be the case with Misión no oficial (Unofficial Mission), a Borat-esque mockumentary about the attempts of the Uruguayan President to get cannabis into his country.
As the trailer explains, the President of Uruguay is on his way out and wants to fulfill his campaign promise of legalizing marijuana. The problem lies in the country’s inability to produce the drug, leaving the President’s right-hand man to travel to the US with the secret mission of bringing back 50 tons of weed. We see the President’s Guy Friday take to the streets of New York, asking everyone – including some Minions – where he can buy pot. Based on the trailer, the film looks to lift the veil in how difficult implementing marijuana legalization is, and how the United States plays a role. By incorporating real news footage of the two former heads of state, a brief scene in the trailer shows José Mujica meeting with former President Barack Obama. It’s a legitimate moment used for some clever film trickery. Whether the mockumentary is using actual news clips or staged scenes, expect a heavy dose of political satire and stark social commentary.
What can’t be faked is the involvement of the actual ex-President of Uruguay, José Mujica, playing himself. His role in the trailer looks to be that of adorable grandfather figure, unsurprising considering his Presidency has been labeled as humble. Mujica was the President of Uruguay for five years, from 2010 to 2015. Though he’s a focal point of the movie the true star appears to be director/co-screenwriter Denny Brechner.
It’s currently unknown when Unofficial Mission will be available to view in the U.S. or other countries outside of Uruguay where it is scheduled to be released September 7th.
[h/t: Buzzfeed]