Films and documentaries to learn about and remember Pepe Mujica

This Tuesday, José "Pepe" Mujica , former president of Uruguay, passed away at the age of 89. The news was confirmed by the current Uruguayan president, Yamandú Orsi, after several months in palliative care for terminal cancer.

Mujica left a legacy that goes beyond politics : his life story, marked by armed struggle, imprisonment, resistance, and the presidency, was portrayed in various audiovisual productions that help us understand his worldview and his social impact.

Below is a selection of films and documentaries to explore the figure of this politician and former guerrilla fighter from different perspectives.

"12-Year Night" (2018) . Directed by Álvaro Brechner, this film chronicles the years of captivity and isolation of three Tupamaro leaders during the Uruguayan dictatorship (1973–1985): José Mujica, Mauricio Rosencof, and Eleuterio Fernández Huidobro.

The script is based on the book "Memoirs of the Dungeon" and recreates the extreme confinement to which they were subjected. The film was screened at festivals such as Venice and San Sebastián, and received multiple awards.

Where to watch : Netflix

"El Pepe, Una Vida Suprema" (2018) . Serbian director Emir Kusturica followed Mujica in his most intimate circles, during and after his term as president of Uruguay. This documentary portrays his austere lifestyle, his political reflections, and his views on power, freedom, and consumption. Premiered at the Venice Film Festival, it is a direct portrait of a figure who challenged traditional political molds.

Where to watch : Netflix

" Chomsky and Mujica . " In 2017, Mujica hosted the American philosopher and linguist Noam Chomsky at his home. The two shared a long conversation about politics, history, love, technology, and the challenges of the contemporary world.

Although the documentary has not been completed due to a lack of funding, some of the footage can be found online. The project seeks to connect new generations with the ideas of two intellectual and political figures of global reach.

Where to watch : YouTube

"Pepe's Dreams" (2023) . Cameraman Pablo Trobo accompanied Mujica for more than 15 years, filming meetings, trips, and speeches in different corners of the world. This archive became Pepe's Dreams, a documentary that compiles Mujica's views on climate change, social justice, and the need to rethink the current development model. The film offers an emotional and political journey through his final years of active life, connecting his message with the concerns of the present.