This December, an IC lecture explored female wrestling in Mexico—and the resilience of women facing violence in a machismo culture.
Every month, International Cinema (IC) holds free showings for a selection of international films. These films explore various themes and display a wide array of cultures.
To round out the fall 2024 semester at IC, three films were shown during the first week of December, with former College of Humanities faculty member Valerie Hegstrom presenting a lecture on the film Luchadoras. In her lecture, she discussed the film’s portrayal of gender equality and the importance of resilience in the face of discrimination and violence.
“Fighting for a Better Life: Paola Calvo and Patrick Jasim’s film Luchadoras” by Valerie Hegstrom
“I want to start with a story about a bridge,” began emeritus faculty member Valerie Hegstrom (Spanish Literature) as she displayed a photo of an unassuming pedestrian bridge. But this bridge—El Paso del Norte—isn’t any ordinary bridge; it connects El Paso, Texas, to Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, and around 22,000 people and 600–1,000 schoolchildren cross it daily. Hegstrom explained that it symbolizes the deep, often-overlooked connections between the two cities, separated by political and cultural borders.
During her lecture on December 4, 2024, Hegstrom used this bridge as a metaphor to explain the historical, cultural, and social complexities of the US-Mexico border. Weaving in stories from Luchadoras—a film that follows female wrestlers in Ciudad Juárez—Hegstrom illustrated how those living in Ciudad Juárez, especially women like the ones portrayed in the film, navigate both violence and gender inequality.
The History of Ciudad Juárez
To provide context for the film, Hegstrom traced the border’s history, starting with the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo that gave over half of Mexico’s territory to the US, which now makes up much of the southwestern US region. The treaty also established the Rio Grande River as the border between geographically close cities like El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, a decision that split one culturally homogeneous region between two countries. Despite ongoing efforts toward peace and cooperation—such as the creation of the Chamizal National Memorial Park—Hegstrom notes that the boundary has long been a source of tension between the two countries.
Hegstrom also addressed the more modern, darker side of the border region, including the violence that has plagued Ciudad Juárez in recent years. Once known as the “world’s most dangerous city,” Ciudad Juárez saw a staggering rise in homicides during the 2000s, much of it driven by drug cartels. Alongside this, femicide—gender-based killings of women—has skyrocketed in Mexico. “In 2023, 10 women and girls [in Mexico] were killed every day by intimate partners and other family members,” Hegstrom explained. “According to government data, those who survive. . . are often left without protection or justice.” Due to this violence, women often escape across the border, with the El Paso del Norte bridge acting as a literal and symbolic passage for those fleeing the violence in Ciudad Juárez and other parts of Mexico.
Wrestling with Reality
These themes of violence towards women are explored in the film Luchadoras, which tells the stories of three courageous female wrestlers in Ciudad Juárez who use Lucha Libre (a theatrical style of Mexican wrestling) to combat both physical violence and oppression. The film shows these women—Mini Serinita, Lady Candy, and Baby Star—as they deal with harsh working conditions, lost children, and the constant, overhanging threat of violence.
Hegstrom highlighted how the maquiladoras (textile factories) along the border provide jobs but also expose women like Mini Serinita to increased violence. She also described Lady Candy’s struggles against regulations preventing her from reuniting with her daughters, who are stranded in the US, and explained how Baby Star, who is a young single mother, cherishes her deep connection to Lucha Libre culture and pursues her wrestling dreams despite the constraints of single parenthood and the realities of providing as a woman.
The symbolism of the El Paso del Norte bridge shows just how complex and intertwined the histories of the two countries are. As Hegstrom explained, the bridge is not just a physical crossing, but a reminder of the challenges that persist: violence, gender inequality, and the search for justice. As the film depicts, Mini Serinita, Lady Candy, and Baby Star are just a few examples of how women in Mexico—Ciudad Juárez, specifically—navigate these difficult realities and refuse to be defined solely by the violence and adversity around them. “They’re fighting against machismo culture, violence against women, and stereotypes of gender, race, and class,” Hegstrom said. “[They’re] showing people that, as women, they can be [strong].”
Below is a list of the other films showcased during December.
Liz and the Blue Bird (2018)
Liz and the Blue Bird is a Japanese animated film that follows two high school girls as they prepare for a concert with their school band. As they rehearse, their friendship deepens. The film intertwines their journey with the fictional story of “Liz and the Blue Bird” (a piece they are assigned to perform), using it as a metaphor for their struggles with communication, individuality, and fear of change. With beautiful music, delicate visuals, and subtle character development, the film explores the nuances of relationships and personal growth.
Sherlock Jr. (1924)
Sherlock Jr. is an American silent film about a projectionist who dreams of becoming a detective. After being falsely accused of theft, he falls asleep and dreams himself as “Sherlock Jr.”: the world’s greatest detective. In his dream, he solves a complex case involving a stolen pearl necklace, multiple traps, and a gang of criminals, highlighting his desire to receive recognition and prove his worth. The film also touches on love and loyalty, as his determination to clear his name reflects his commitment to the woman he loves. Ultimately, Sherlock Jr. is a celebration of perseverance, imagination, and the power of believing in yourself.
To read more about the other films featured at the IC this semester, click here.