Sacha Baron Cohen’s Ali G returns in two-day screening of 'Who Iz I?' amid pushback campaign

Jerusalem Post/Israel News/Israel Culture The new film was filmed in complete secrecy over the past year, according to the Daily Mail. The mockumentary follows the character’s life since “the world went to hell.”Follow us on GoogleSacha Baron Cohen as Ali G attends the Los Angeles Fan Event of Amazon MGM Studios "Ali G: Who Iz I?" at Hollywood Post 43 - American Legion on October 14, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (photo credit: Eric Charbonneau/Amazon MGM Studios via Getty Images)OCTOBER 25, 2026 01:59Ali G is back after more than 20 years, but he’ll only be in cinemas here for two days.Ali G: Who Iz I? will be in theaters nationwide on Friday and Saturday.The new film was filmed in complete secrecy over the past year, according to the Daily Mail. The mockumentary follows the character’s life since “the world went to hell,” alongside his pregnant girlfriend, played by actress Morgana Robinson.NewsCord, a British media monitoring platform, launched a campaign just one day after the trailer was released, urging movie theaters worldwide to refuse to screen the film.Sasha Baron Cohen arrives at the World Premiere of Amazon MGM Studios' ''Ali G: Who Iz I?'' at Hollywood Legion Theater on October 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (credit: KEVIN WINTER/GETTY IMAGES)Sacha Baron Cohen's directorial debut surrounded by controversyThe campaign also cited previous criticism of the character, including comments by Black comedians who called Ali G “an alibi for racism” in 2000. It also referenced author Jeanette Winterson, who questioned how the character differed from racist minstrel shows.Sony Pictures UK’s slogan for the film, “He’s back. We’re not responsible,” only added fuel to the controversy.The movie marks Sacha Baron Cohen’s directorial debut.Follow us on Google