Matadoras!

When I hear the word bullfighter, there’s only one image that comes to mind: the half-man/half-amazing creature in Madonna’s video for “Take a Bow.” But now I’ve got the perfect opportunity to get cultured on the history of females in the sport. On Sept. 1, PBS (with Latino Public Broadcasting) will air Ella Es El Matador, a doc all about the brave women who challenge the sport’s traditionally rigid gender roles —there was even a law created in 1908 that barred women from bullfighting—and pursued their passion for the sport. It focuses on two matadoras currently in the arena: Mari Paz Vega and Eva Florencia (who is Italian). Turns out that greater than the threat of the bulls is the opposition they face from the patriarchal regime that wishes to preserve bullfighting’s macho traditions, i.e., promoters who won’t book them in the best arenas and condescending male colleagues.

"Bullfighting is the quintessential symbol of masculinity and bravery in Spanish culture," say filmmakers Germaine Cubero and Celeste Carrasco, both born and raised in Spain. "Making this documentary about female matadors means changing this symbol and shifting the gender roles that have been defined for centuries. We want to open a window for viewers to enter into a unique world without judgment, while exploring the universal struggle of our two protagonists."

Check pbs.org for local listings.