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A new documentary is about to hit the big screen about an incredible event that vanished from the historical record.

For those who aren’t aware of the 1971 Women’s World Cup, the tournament was organised by the Federation of Independent European Female Football and took place in Mexico City and Guadalajara. Crowds filled the cities’ biggest stadiums, watching six countries – Denmark, Mexico, Italy, Argentina, France and England – compete. The final reportedly drew a staggering 110,000 spectators.

But nobody can recall this historical event. “Why? Because all the players on the pitch were women,” says executive producer Serena Williams in a brief narration.

Fifa and the UK’s Football Association have a history stained with shame, but perhaps nothing compares to the appalling treatment of women’s football during the last century.

The spitefulness, sexism, and dishonesty, reached their peak following the remarkable success of the 1971 Women’s World Cup, an event held independently outside of Fifa’s jurisdiction, which is vividly portrayed in a compelling documentary, shedding light on the unjust treatment endured by women in the sport.

Directed by Rachel Ramsay and James Erskine, Copa 71 is driven by extensive interviews with many of the star players from all six squads, who start by recounting their own experience and inexperience with the game. In some of their countries, there was a social stigma attached to women playing soccer. In others, all-female leagues were explicitly forbidden.

While the narratives carry a touch of melancholy, they also serve as beautiful and uplifting illustrations of the extraordinary measures individuals are willing to take to pursue their passions and a just world.

Woe us all that the FA and Fifa dedicated themselves, “almost like the Men in Black waving their amnesia devices in everyone’s face”, to denying the event’s resounding success, forgetting it ever happened, clamping down on the venues and facilities and punishing the women for their success. The Guardian‘s five-star review goes on:

The documentary shows us that throughout the 20th century, the authorities had an almost pathological suspicion of women’s football, despite or because of the evidence that it could attract large crowds; they promoted the fatuous theories that football was bad for women’s health and (in spite of the evidence) that it was bad box office. There is an element of reactionary class prejudice to go with the misogyny in their attitudes: large crowds supporting women triggered an almost atavistic horror in the blazer-wearing chaps.

Copa 71 is a “revolutionary political parable that goes beyond football”, the review raves on, noting how a narrative that was once erased is now restored by this “bracing and thoroughly absorbing film”.

Copa 71 is exclusively in UK cinemas from 8 March. Do yourself a favour and make it your mission to see it, set the facts straight.

[source:guardian]