Watch Mamachas Del Ring

Mamachas Del Ring is a documentary film that premiered in 2009. Directed by Betty M. Park, the film tells the inspiring story of a group of indigenous women who are struggling to make a living in El Alto, a city located in the suburbs of La Paz in Bolivia. These women are called “mamachas” which means “married women” in the Aymara language, and they are known for their shrewd business skills, combat sports and colorful clothing.

The film starts with a brief history of El Alto, which was once a desolate and barren place, but has now become a bustling city with a population of more than one million people. El Alto is also the location of the country’s biggest open-air market, which is the main source of income for most of the mamachas.

The film then focuses on the struggle of the mamachas, who are trying to make a living by selling various items in the market. The market is a difficult place to work in, as there is fierce competition, and customers are often very demanding. The mamachas work long hours, sometimes up to 18 hours a day, to make ends meet.

To make things worse, the mamachas are often subject to discrimination and abuse. As indigenous women, they are at the bottom of the social hierarchy in Bolivia, and are often looked down upon by other members of society. Additionally, many of the mamachas have experienced violence and domestic abuse at the hands of their husbands, who often spend their earnings on alcohol and other vices.

Despite all these challenges, the mamachas find strength in each other, and in their love for wrestling. The film documents the training sessions of a group of mamachas who have decided to form a wrestling group called “Las Mamachas Del Ring”. The group is led by Juan Mamani, a former wrestler who is now a coach and mentor to the mamachas.

The film captures the infectious enthusiasm of the mamachas as they prepare for their first wrestling match. They train hard, learning new moves, and growing more confident with each passing day. However, the film also shows the challenges they face in trying to establish themselves as wrestlers. Many people in Bolivia still see wrestling as a male-dominated sport, and the mamachas face criticism and skepticism from some quarters.

Despite these obstacles, Las Mamachas Del Ring make a big splash at their first wrestling event. The crowd is amazed by their skill and bravery, and they quickly become fan favorites. The film shows the joy and sense of accomplishment that the mamachas feel as they step into the ring and showcase their skills.

Mamachas Del Ring is a powerful and inspiring film that celebrates the strength and resilience of indigenous women in Bolivia. It is a testament to the power of sports to bring people together, and to the importance of community and solidarity in the face of adversity.

The film has won several awards, including the Audience Choice Award at the San Francisco International Film Festival and Best Documentary at the Guadalajara International Film Festival. It has been praised for its sensitive portrayal of the mamachas, and for its ability to capture the spirit of a community that is often ignored or marginalized by mainstream society.

Overall, Mamachas Del Ring is a must-see documentary that offers a glimpse into the lives of a remarkable group of women who are overcoming enormous odds to achieve their dreams. It is an inspiring and uplifting film that is sure to touch the hearts of viewers everywhere.