The nation of Kazakhstan has changed its tune when it comes to Borat.
What We Know:
- Kazakhstan’s tourism board launched a new marketing campaign this week using Borat’s iconic catchphrase “Very nice!” as their slogan. They are using promotional videos where tourists explore Kazakhstan’s landscapes, cities, and local food, and say some variation of Borat’s line.
- Kazakhstan’s tourism board put the promotional material together and timed their campaign to coincide with the release of Borat Subsequent Moviefilm. They hope this campaign can “celebrate Kazakhstan and show fans [of Borat] around the world why they should come visit this incredible country,” according to a press release.
“We would like everyone to come experience Kazakhstan for themselves by visiting our country in 2021 and beyond, so that they can see that Borat’s homeland is nicer than they may have heard.” – Kairat Sadvakassov, Deputy Chairman of Kazakh Tourism
- The original Borat came out in 2006 and was a worldwide hit, except in Kazakhstan. In the satirical mockumentary, Sacha Baron Cohen takes on the character of Borat Sagdiyev, a fictional Kazakh journalist, to prank his way across America and expose a less flattering side of Americans.
- Cohen’s portrayal of Borat was full of stupid and offensive stereotypes and behaviors, and the film was banned in Kazakhstan. Cohen reprised the character in the 2020 sequel, which takes square aim at American conspiracy theories and the presidential election.
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. It also recently stirred a national controversy for a scene involving Rudy Giuliani.
