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Six years after Emir Kusturica, film director and musician, played a show in Belgium dressed in a Uruguay football shirt, his film on the life of former Uruguayan president, and ex guerrilla, José Mujica, launched on Netflix.
The BBC declared Guru’Guay’s former president who was in office from 2010 to 2015, the world’s poorest president, in part because he donated about 90% of his monthly to charity. Though Pepe is not universally appreciated in his home country, no one can disagree that he walks the walk and that, combined with his inspirational progressive political discourse internationally, put a spotlight on Uruguay during his term in office and beyond.
The film by Kusturica focuses no only on Pepe’s political activism but his life-long love affair with his wife, Lucía Topolansky. They met during their time in the guerrilla. Lucía is an important politician in her own right, currently Uruguay’s first female Vice President until March 1 2020.
Pepe’s past as a guerrilla—who was captured and held in solitary confinement, including years at the bottom of a well, during Uruguay’s military dictatorship (1973–85)—is the subject of another film that can be seen on Netflix: A Twelve Year Night.
In 2018, El Pepe as he’s known found himself in the Venice Film Festival along side Lady Gaga and Ryan Gosling receiving a standing ovation. “I’m as out of place as a dog in a bowling match,” he confessed in his typical low-key style to local media.
You can watch El Pepe: A Supreme Life on Netflix.
Also check out story: Uruguay president gives hitchhiker ride from 2015
Photo Vince Alongi
Namasté — Vegetarian restaurant in Montevideo
Namasté is more than just a vegetarian restaurant in Montevideo. This colourful, family-run spot has been serving vegetarian and vegan food since 2008. And the food is only part of the experience. Come for a relaxed meal, stay for the atmosphere, the friendly service and the chance to slow down for a while.
Dance tango in Uruguay. Whether a complete newbie or you already dance, the tango scene in Montevideo is a great way to make friends.
Estancia Los Plátanos – Authentic 6th generation ranch
Venture into deep Uruguay to Estancia Los Platanos, a working ranch. Just 3 guestrooms—and there’s a gorgeous indoor pool.
Nominate your favourites for the 2027 Montevideo Guru’Guay guide
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Ignacio Fuentes, RE/MAX – Recommended Montevideo realtor
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Estancia El Cangüé – Cattle & roses in Paysandú
Home to Uruguay’s biggest rose collection, this 200 year west Uruguay estancia is the perfect destination for outdoor adventure or a wedding.
Martín Pescador – Sierras ranch 1 hr from ocean
Just an hour inland from the beaches of Punta and José Ignacio, the perfect Uruguay estancia, horse riding and trekking.
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Dance tango in Uruguay. Whether a complete newbie or you already dance, the tango scene in Montevideo is a great way to make friends.
Did you know Uruguay is among the most LGBT-friendly countries worldwide? Small nation. Big equality record.
Despite its pint size population, Uruguay football has one of the most successful national teams in soccer history.
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A member of the Guru’Guay team shares her great-aunt’s story, highlighting the dictatorship’s lasting impact on Uruguayans.
Uruguay is known for its progressive laws and society. So how come it fell under a dictatorship? Guru’Guay explains.
One Response
A very moving film and cleverly produced, never seen anything like it other than maybe Papillion. Makes you marvel at the resilience of the human spirit.