COPA 71

*From the organisers (correct at the time of publishing), please see the organiser’s website for the latest details.

2023 ( UK) ( Documentary, Sport)
Directors: Rachel Ramsay, James Erskine
The 1971 Women’s Soccer World Cup,held in Mexico, largely forgotten in sporting history, comes to light through James Erskine and Rachel Ramsay’s compelling documentary.

The film reveals the erased narrative of the tournament, shedding light on FIFA’s disreputable treatment of women’s football. Unlike typical sports profiles, this documentary delves into the real, untold stories of pioneering women who participated in the event. “Copa 71” unfolds as a revolutionary political parable, illustrating a world where women’s football thrived against FIFA’s oppressive backdrop. The directors skillfully recreate the tournament’s details while uncovering the gender-based struggles behind the scenes. Despite FIFA and the UK’s Football Association’s shameful treatment of women’s football, the documentary reinstates the significance of the 1971 Women’s World Cup, showcasing its remarkable impact and challenging historical erasure.