Documentary
Luchadora — A Mother’s Euphoria
Exterminating opponents within the entertaining ring, Luna Magica shines as the excited crowd sing. Her powerful frame wipes the typical sexual lanes of attraction away, she struts through a colourful arena to enter the ring. Masks, cheers and spirited music accompanies Luna. Her appearance brings the essence of Wrestling Entertainment, a field that yields a platform for all. Gender one topic among countless reasons to brawl. Luchadora witnesses Luna behind her alias, Maria De Los Angeles Aranda Ramirez — a Mother who is aspiring for more. This short Documentary focuses on Luna’s path, highlighting common livelihoods of Luchadora’s, women Wrestlers in Mexico. It highlights the Wrestling culture within the country as well as the commonalities shared around gender discourse. Immediately you witness the vivid culture of the country, the multicoloured scenes scream celebration. It sheds the familiar vibe of performance and gathering, so it did not surprise me to learn Lucha Libre is only rivalled by Soccer in popularity.
Growing up Wrestling was phenomenal, at the pinnacle of sporting entertainment, as it provided an insight to a variety of issues and agendas whilst presenting a captivating cast of Characters. Despite my youth making me blind to the sexism within the field over the years Wrestling instilled within me the notions of hard work, progression, success and achievement. It also immortalised Characters, within Lucha Libre such legends like El Santo and The Blue Demon. Unwavering bravado alongside unrivalled athleticism, aesthetic divas and prestigious belts. It was fascinating, I could feel the reciprocating energy bouncing off the crowd. It invigorated the likes of The Rock, Stone Cold and The Undertaker. Although WWE is a platform for the top, I grew to realise there are countless forms of Wrestling around the World, and one of the more breathtaking styles is Lucha Libre
Ultimate Dragon, Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero too — Psychosis and others from WCW all introduced me to the balletic style of the Luchadore and Lucha Libre. Though if I’m honest before I did not recognise the Luchadora, this short film offered me an insight to womanhood behind the character. In recent years I have learned more about the situations women face on a daily basis, attempting to implement these thoughts alongside my daily life as it should be. Hence Maria’s story ignited a sense of ignorance, despite countless hours of my life being spent on Wrestling’s awes the entertainment had forged an inviting image. At the age of 14, Maria decided it was appropriate to learn how to protect herself and opted to train. Dropping out of School she entertained Wrestling as a Career, an idea that resonates with me as aspiration and education tend to disagree as well as the idea of meritocracy.
I will never know a woman’s hardship, though I can empathise with her reality. At points this short was maddening as I acknowledged the role of a Mother. On top of that the stress of abiding by gender, a total disregard for ambition and happiness. Having the will for a career though being geared toward the roles of home, to a point it feels another job you’re doing on your own. The short constantly contrasts her ecstatic identity Luna Magica and her as Maria. This comparison weighs in, shaping a truer picture of her despite the wonder of fame. It’s admirable how this totality of Maria’s personality is working together against her grievances. She seems so strong, against the concept of strength I had already built. That masculine notion of strength hosts the fame so high we are usually denied a sense of harsh realities of men whilst women’s are thrown out in the open. A moment in this film pointed this out to me, as a Luchadore made a mockery of domestic violence in front of what seemed like impressionable kids. I say Maria is strong as I feel that word is tainted, by the very fist and taste of man. The tenacity of being a Mother is unlike no other.
Maria describes how the lifestyle of the Luchadora is not so precious. She states a majority of Luchadora’s are single Mothers, and goes on to describe her own experience. Having to work at events on weekends, training midweek and having no time to rest. Such thoughts I relate to my own Mother, who leaves home at 7 only to arrive at 8 or later. Without time to rest she would head straight to the Kitchen to prepare food for the family. It’s saddening, and personally I always attempt to help and provide. Though Maria’s kids are young, she is growing older — hence in some sense her ambition is being denied. As men such roles are not socialised to be expected of us, the narrative of roles quite evident within the short. Though it was warming as I gained a sense of change, despite having another example to add to the bank of gender oppression Worldwide.
The contrast of Luna Magica and Maria crosses their frustrations and hopes. Of course they are one person, though performing and living is two tasks. I am fascinated by work ethic and Maria seems to have a tremendous one. This short film adds an interesting dynamic for me to the debate of relationships with women who have careers. It seems ancient even considering such an idea, it is a blind rhetoric to demand a house wife who has no aspirations apart from a mans will. Society sets up their mainstay of men to run into the distance and chase their dreams without adhering to constraints. Besides it showed me another theme within the dream of Wrestling and the contentiousness of gender.
You can watch Luchadora here:
