

Acclaimed Mockumentary “A Day Without a Mexican” Hits Streaming, Timed Perfectly with Escalating Immigration Debate
Missing too-long from the conversation, the controversial and hilarious film finally arrives on streaming platforms….just in time to offer some needed perspective to the immigration issue as it moves into a more serious phase than ever before.
Hawthorne, CA – DATE TBD – Acclaimed political comedy A Day Without a Mexican is set to finally come to streaming platforms this December. Directed by Sergio Arau, this satirical comedy takes a thought-provoking look at the cultural and societal impact of the absence of a vital segment of the population.
Originally released in 2004, A Day Without a Mexican presents a whimsical yet poignant scenario where all the people of Mexican descent in California inexplicably disappear. As the day unfolds, the film explores themes of identity, immigration, and mostly, the indispensable roles these individuals play in society—from agriculture and service industries to entertainment.
This timely re-release aims to engage a new generation of viewers while prompting critical conversations about cultural contributions and community dynamics.
Newly re-mastered in HD from its original 35mm elements and expertly restored, audiences will be able to experience (or re-experience) this unique narrative in a variety of new ways.
A Day Without a Mexican has received praise for its clever humor and insightful commentary. The film invites viewers to consider what life would be like without those who often go unnoticed, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of a contemporary society, sometimes overly obsessed on identity.
Launched in 2004 with an ad campaign that trolled the sensitivities of the media, the film attracted extensive coverage from CNN, the CBS Evening News, the Fox Network and more. English- and Spanish-speaking audiences alike flocked to see the hilarious mockumentary, which garnered an impressive $3.4 million in its first limited domestic release; its U.S. distributor Xenon Pictures shipped over one-half million units in the film’s initial DVD release.

The initial launch in 2004 mimicked a provocative political campaign, perfectly setting the tone for the film’s rollout.
The title continued to be a strong performer in the ensuing years, however as the home entertainment marketplace evolved from physical into streaming media, the licensing agreements then in-effect left the film in limbo. Recently, Xenon and the film’s owners —producers Sergio Arau and Yareli Arizmendi— hammered out an agreement to get the film back out to the public. Arau and Arizmendi also wrote, and Arau (son of famed Mexican director Alfonso Arau) directed.
“Re-releasing A Day Without a Mexican is our way of adding clarity to the murkiness and hatefulness that has taken hold of our world“ said writer/producer Arizmendi. “This very serious comedy invites all to pause, think, and pull the curtain back on fake. Its message is more relevant today as it was when it first premiered. We hope it inspires conversations and reflections on the value of the unseen in our communities.”
While a broad rollout is scheduled for January next year –when the Trump administration begins enacting its border policies– the film is currently available for streaming exclusively on adaywithoutamexican.com. A Day Without a Mexican is ready to again spark laughter and needed dialogue. Join the conversation and celebrate the richness of cultural contributions by streaming the film this [release date].
Next in the pipeline from the Xenon Pictures / Arau-Arizmendi collaboration is the pair’s follow up mocumentary ¡Naco es chido!, a ‘mostly based on true events’ history of Arau’s popular ‘Guacarock’ band, Botellita de Jerez.
For more information, trailers, and behind-the-scenes content, visit adaywithoutamexican.com.
Filmmaking team of Sergio Arau and Yareli Arizmendi are available for interviews.
PR Contact: Tyler Judd (tyler@xenonpictures.com)