The upcoming biopic about Anita Carmona Ruiz, a pioneering Spanish soccer player, is set to cast a spotlight on a remarkable chapter in sports history. Carmona, who played during the 1920s under the alias “Nita” or “Veleta,” undertook the brave act of disguising herself as a man to compete on male teams at a time when female participation in sports was met with significant resistance and societal disapproval. This film promises to illustrate not just the triumphs of Carmona’s athletic career but also the profound struggles she faced in defiance of conventional gender roles.
The film enters development under the auspices of LaLiga Studios, which is a collaboration between Spain’s foremost soccer league and Banijay, a major player in global production and distribution. They are joined by Spanish production houses Blend Studios and M Content, a partnership that signals an investment in authentic storytelling within the realm of sports. The project draws inspiration from journalist Jesús Hurtado’s extensive research, which resurrected Carmona’s almost forgotten narrative in 2020—remarkably, eight decades after her death. Her legacy as a player for Málaga and her relatively brief life, cut short at age 32 in 1940, continues to resonate, emphasizing the need to remember and share stories of those who broke barriers.
Paco Torres, the director and co-screenwriter, envisions the film as a tribute that not only entertains but also educates audiences about Carmona’s indomitable spirit. His co-writer, Amaya Muruzábal, expressed that Carmona embodies the quintessential “first women’s footballer,” a characterization that elevates her role in sports history. The film aims to highlight her fierce determination and tenacity—a combination of qualities that served to inspire future generations of female athletes. This film presents a rare opportunity to feature a historical figure whose contributions have been overshadowed by time and norm.
The production of this biopic comes at a time when there is a surging interest in sports-themed dramas. Banijay has launched Banijay Iberia Sports to curate and produce content focused on athletes and sports culture. Simultaneously, LaLiga Studios is poised to expand its narrative reach with projects that delve into elite soccer life, establishing its presence within the entertainment sector. Chalo Bonifacino Cooke, CEO of LaLiga Studios, encapsulated the ethos of sport storytelling when he remarked on the necessity of bringing forth powerful yet underrepresented narratives.
Ultimately, the film about Anita Carmona Ruiz serves a dual purpose: it aims to entertain while redefining the historical landscape of women in sports. It is a clarion call to recognize the sacrifices made by trailblazers like Carmona, who navigated a male-dominated world in pursuit of their passion. The project promises to contribute meaningful dialogue regarding gender equality in sport, making it a timely and essential film for current and future audiences. As our collective interest in untold stories grows, Anita Carmona Ruiz’s legacy will finally receive the recognition it rightfully deserves.