Strong women, warrior women, will come to the big screen through the documentary Las Amazonas de Yaxunah, produced by ESPN Deportes, which premiered on June 2 at the 2024 Los Angeles International Latino Film Festival.
The film portraying the story of 26 Yucatecan Mayan women who broke all kinds of stereotypes by entering the softball world is part of ESPN’s special programming to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the sports network and Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15.
Las Amazonas de Yaxunah is narrated by Yalitza Aparicio, the first Mexican actress of indigenous origin nominated for an Oscar.
Spectators will be able to meet the Yucatecan softball team of women between 13 and 62 years of age, who are pioneers in practicing this sport using their hipiles as a uniform.
“The Amazonas of Yaxunah experienced firsthand the mistreatment faced by indigenous communities, further fueling their determination to not only continue playing softball but also to explore the world and promote inclusion and empowerment of women. Despite facing sexism and mistreatment, these women have become pioneers in their community, challenging prevailing paradigms and inspiring change among women across Mexico and the world,” ESPN details in a statement.
The entire story takes place in the community of Yaxunah, in the municipality of Yaxcabá, where the historic team was born.
After its debut at the Los Angeles International Latino Film Festival, the film, directed by filmmaker Alfonso Algara and produced by ESPN Deportes, will be part of the sports network’s programming until September of this year.
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