Sacha Baron Cohen Directs Secret Ali G Movie, Out Oct. 23

Sacha Baron Cohen has unveiled "Ali G: Who Iz I?", a secret film centered on his iconic character, set for theatrical release on October 23 through Amazon MGM Studios. This project also signifies Cohen's feature directorial debut, a role he has undertaken behind the camera for the first time after years of performing in front of it.

Cohen announced the film in character as Ali G via an Instagram video, presenting it as a documentary about himself. This covert production method mirrors the guerrilla filmmaking approach he employed for his "Borat" films, released in 2006 and 2020. This technique involves filming with unsuspecting individuals, a strategy that has previously generated both humor and awkward situations.

The character of Ali G first appeared on Channel 4's "The 11 O'Clock Show" in 1998 before receiving his own series, "Da Ali G Show," in the early 2000s. Cohen previously brought Ali G to the big screen in the 2002 film "Ali G Indahouse," directed by Mark Mylod, which solidified the character's status in British comedy. Ali G gained notoriety for interviewing prominent figures such as Noam Chomsky, Andy Rooney, and Newt Gingrich, who were often left perplexed by his persona.