Animal Político
Project: The Exam
Exposing a national issue through film
“The Exam” is a short film about a student who looks distressed after getting an A on a test, not out of fear of failure but because in Mexico, drug cartels recruit top chemistry students for fentanyl production. In just minutes, the film exposes a critical national issue.
01The challenge
In Mexico, over 45,000 minors have been recruited by criminal organizations. As the number continues to grow, the government has downplayed the crisis — ignoring public outcry and claiming it only happens in movies and on television.
02The solution
Animal Político wanted to get strong visibility for the film to raise awareness of this cause and to apply more pressure on the government to take action.
Blocking the recruitment of the next class
The film premiered at the iconic Tonala Theater in Mexico City, with support from major influencers and media platforms. Even Cineopolis – the world’s fourth largest cinema chain – joined the cause, streaming the film nationwide. Today the short film is being shown at universities as educational material, helping students recognize the dangers they may face – and how to avoid them.
03The impact
The film’s unexpected next act
The response was overwhelming. Dozens of national and international media picked up the story. Generating more than $3 million in free press. Just five days after its release, the government introduced a proposal to reclassify the recruitment of minors as a criminal offense.
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