Update from Eva Bianchini:
Eva Bianchi is currently pursuing painting.
Bullfighting was my life, and the last time I fought a bull was three years ago, in an open field, under the moonlight. I felt alone with my sadness, and I bid farewell to that whole life. When I came back home, I put my cape away.
It was a very hard time for me. I felt as though I had failed, and my hope had been destroyed. I removed everything that reminded me of bullfighting from my home, and I was very depressed.
But one day I woke up and decided to take up, once again, a hobby that I had quit when I began to be interested in bullfighting: painting. I had felt a passion for art as a teenager, and now, after many years, I felt that interest again.
I started painting again in 2007, and in 2008 I participated in some painting contests. Two of my works received accolades and were published, and I considered making painting my new profession.
My earliest works had nothing to do with bullfighting, but over time, I realized that just because I was taking a new path did not mean I had to forget the old path. My wounds began to heal, and I began to paint bulls.
In 2007 I was completely out of the bullfighting world, but about a year ago, I began to go to see bullfights again. Now, I follow bullfighting as an aficionado, but with more experience than the typical fan. I have had no physical contact with a bull for three years.
I continue to live in Spain, but I go back to Italy every year to see my family. In 2010 there will be an exhibition of my paintings in Seville, Spain.
Do you have a question for Eva? Leave your question for her in the comment section of Ask Eva and Mari Paz. They will both answer select viewer questions during the week after the broadcast of the film.
Update from the filmmakers:
Gemma Cubero and Celeste Carrasco
POV: Are there any up-and-coming female matadors in Spain at the moment?
Gemma Cubero and Celeste Carrasco: We checked with Mari Paz Vega, who is, of course, very aware of whether there are other women fighting in the ring. She tells us that as of right now, there are some women who are novilleras (apprentices), but none of them are matadors.
Mari Paz is still the only active professional female matador in the world.
Mari Paz Vega prays before a bullfight.
POV: How long does Mari Paz Vega plan to be a matador?
Cubero and Carrasco: Mari Paz said that she is going to continue bullfighting “until her body tells her to stop.” She tells us that she is still excited to fight for her place in the top rankings, and she plans to keep fighting as long as the bullfighting audience wants to see her in the ring.
POV: What is Mari Paz interested in doing after she retires from bullfighting?
Cubero and Carrasco: Mari Paz says, “I want to continue enjoying the bullfighting life once I retire. And like many other people, I want to have a family, have kids and enjoy life.”
Do you have a question for Mari Paz? Leave your question for her in the comment section of Ask Eva and Mari Paz. They will both answer select viewer questions during the week after the broadcast of the film.
POV: Did the gory aspects of bullfighting bother either of you when you were making this film? Did making the film change your mind about bullfighting?
Cubero and Carrasco: Neither of us liked bullfighting at the start of filming. It was hard, at times, to watch certain aspects of the bullfight. However, over the last nine years, we have gained tremendous respect for the protagonists of our film. Now we are shocked to find ourselves in the position of wanting to see Mari Paz’s future fights!
POV: What are you working on now?
Cubero and Carrasco: At the moment we are developing a new documentary about queer tango and the role of gender in this type of dancing. We are also researching a story about women farm workers in Morocco.
Talk About This
I greatly enjoyed your documentary. I had a passion for the Bullfighs I gained from attened many bullfights across Spain and Portugal in the early 1960's. My trip to Spain and Portugal started as a tourist vacation and ended in the persuit of the thrills gained from obseving great bullfighters. Additionally it was a love that I shared with my mother, now long dead, I had forgotton my love of bullfighting and hope to see fights again. Thanks for rekindling great memories.
by Ed Douglass from Loveland, Ohio
September 1, 2009, 11:14 PM
Eva's Art
Dear Eva Bianchini, I would greatly appreciate seeing your art. If you wish, I will gladly email examples of my art in return. With all my respect, Keith Davis
by Keith Davis from Austin, Tx.
September 1, 2009, 11:32 PM
I thought it was truly great documentary.......Exploring the world of bullfighting & the women who are achieving and striving to accomplish there goals as Matadors. I hope you repeat this program........Life and Death in the afternoon only in a bullring.
by Rick Marcelli from Studio City , CA
September 2, 2009, 2:34 AM
MR
The whole spectacle was enhanced by the beauty and grace of the female figure, as is often displayed on the beach or on the modeling walk plank; reminds me of the walk on the beach to the tune of "Bolero," in the movie with Farrah Fawcett(?). The beauty and thrill of the bull fight: The suit of lights, the music, the grace of the Matador/Torero with the thrill o exposure to the bare truth of pittin life against the background of possible death. The whole scene was made more romantically beutifull by the beautiful "La Matador."
Gil
by GILBERT ESPARZA from auburn, WA
September 2, 2009, 2:35 AM
Artistic Comment
A marvelous, intimate film about a little known subject. Very well done! Excellent photography.
I have one comment about the use of "blank spots" during the black and white film of the nude bullfighter. I despise the use of inappropriate censorship during an otherwise adult presentation. PBS showed the violent death of bulls and nude art but chose to censor the excellent short dreamlike film of the nude bullfighter. Very patronizing to your audience!
by Richard Haddock from Martinez, CA
September 2, 2009, 2:52 AM
Americans & Bullfighting
First I should explain that I am not an aficianado, most of what I know comes from Hemingway and Michener. Blazing e-mails will not stop this elemental part of Spanish culture. They do not consider bullfighting to be a sport at all, but an art. It would be akin to telling American dancers that we have decided to ban your art because too many of you have had career-ending injuries. That's why it was so important to me that you included Mr. Bianchini's remarks in your doc. Eva's father was stating a reaction to bullfighting many Americans take when they first view it. But stated baldly it makes no sense. You don't hope the bull will win. What you do hope for is a brave bull and a brave matador in a primal ritual unlike anything you will ever see again. And that may only happen once in an afternoon and only if...if you are very lucky. From what I saw, Vega is a very brave matador and I wish her all the best in her chosen art.
by Allen Van House from Ensenada, Baja California Norte, Mexico
September 2, 2009, 3:48 AM
RETIRED USAF ELECTRONICES TECH
AS A YOUNG BOY WE HAD A SMALL FARM AND I UNDWESTAND THE NEED TO SLAUGHTER STOCK FOR FOOD BUT NEVER FOR SPORT. MY YOUNGER BROTHER VIDITED ESPAN AND WENT TO BULL FIGHTS AND DOES NOT SHARE MY IDEALS. WHAT HAPPENS TO THE VANQUISHED BULLS FROM THE RRING?
by JIM Crtwright from niceville, FLORIDA
September 2, 2009, 5:27 AM
Bravissima, mujeres matadors
I was so moved when Maripaz showed me her scars, it was like she was showing me her heart. I also dream of going to Seville to witness her heart and felt very sad for the losses resulting from the politics of this art and culture.
Loved the outfits, shapes, shoes and that her brother was her assistant. I pray for Vega's continued success and glory.
by Patrick Mullen from St. Petersburg, Florida
September 2, 2009, 9:44 AM
¡Olé Las Matadoras!
Since I was a young child, I have been facsinated by bullfighting. The style, the daring and the danger. When I had the opportunity to study in Madrid, I never missed a chance to go to Las Ventas to see the bullfights on Sunday. Since then, I am a fan of "Tauromaquia" (The art of bullfighting).
Your documentary not only explains the complications, the danger and the prejudices they have to endure to continue to bullfight, it also illustrates the dedication and love these women have for the craft. I wish Eva Bianchini the best of lucks! Her art truly captures the spirit of the Bull. Maybe we have lost a bullfighter, but we gained an artist, and we need all the art we can get! And to Mari Paz, all I can say is: "¡Viva El Matador, Olé Mari Paz!" I will see do a "Veronica" in Las Ventas someday soon!
by Marcos Rodriguez from San Juan, Puerto Rico
September 2, 2009, 5:00 PM
Ella Es el Matador
Thank you for this extraordinary documentary. I was facinated by it and deeply moved. I found myself thinking about this movie alot. I now have a completely different way of looking at bullfighting. I found Mari Paz Vega to be incredible. Her power, grace and beauty were awesome.
Something about her seems deeply sad but she is living life dramatically. Her respect for the bull and for the art are profound and gave me a new, deeper perspective.
Thanks to the wonderful women who made this film.
by devorah ginden from Campbell, Ca
September 3, 2009, 2:23 AM
Further Artisic Comment
I completely agree with Mr. Haddock from Martinez, CA. Those scenes of the Matador under the moonlight were indeed beautiful and it was distracting to see someone's idea of "inappropriate" nudity blanked out as if we all need to be prevented from viewing something as horrible as the human body. Incidentally it would not be bad for children to view what even to them is perfectly natural. I for one am very tired of someone not allowing me to see what to them is "immoral". The program was very well done and as an afcianado was very welcome.
by Bill Weeg from Chandler, AZ
September 3, 2009, 3:34 AM
Ella es el Matador
This was simply the most beautiful documentary I have seen in a very long time. After viewing it on television, I went straight to the computer and watched it all again, and was glad to see that you didn't spoil the gorgeous and emotional nude farewell fight that Eva performed. All through the film, she seemed to have such a deep and poignant bond with El Toro. Mari Paz was nothing short of magnificent--I wish I could go to Spain to see her fight, and to see Eva's art. I didn't understand much about bullfighting before this film, but now I feel it as akin to my profound bond with big cats and my need to know them and touch them, physically and spiritually. Actually, cats of any size will do for me. Am I a "cat whisperer"? Possibly. Are they "bull whisperers"? No. They are Matador.
by Kthleen Cornelio from Fort Pierce, FL
September 3, 2009, 6:40 AM
A FAN FOREVER!
I to am interested in the names of your stance & poses! I find the beauty & showmanship intriging! I would also like to know when where & how I can see you perform in the ring??? I cannot travel abroad, for if I could I would!=( Longing to see you in action! Maybe someday, never say never!
by barbara dollard from rancho cucamonga , ca
September 4, 2009, 10:41 AM
Ella es el Matador
I enjoyed the documentary very much!
What I didn't enjoy was the PBS logo blocking the subtitles.
by J. Garcia from Sister Bay, WI
September 4, 2009, 11:13 PM
Documentaries
Although I was born here in California , my Father was born in Cartegena.
He immigrated here when he was 27 years old. Later he learned English, and became a US citizen. He found my Mom at a Spanish party and he was smitten.
My Mothers parents were also from Spain. ( Ronda )
I have never been a fan of bull fighting but I found myself quite intrigued with your bullfighting documentary. I was flipping through channels and I heard that distinct Castillian accent and I stopped on PBS right away.
To see and hear Spain...... , I sometimes feel like a part of me is there.
My heritage , my blood es de Espana. I was fortunate enough to go there a few years ago with my parents . A huge dream since I was a little girl. I had been saving for many years. With my video camera in hand , my father showed me where he grew up , went to school , where he did homework by candle light etc.
I wanted to have all of it on tape for my children , for there children etc. I met cousins , had cafe with them, churros con chocolate , spent time with them , atet with them, experienced their culture etc. I feel blessed to have known Spanish culture. My father sang flamenco very well and loud all the time when I was growing up. A few years ago I convinced him to sing at a church event . He did it and now I have it on video to treasure as a memory. A part of me feels very sad , that once my parents are gone , the Spanish connection will fade. My daughter is taking Spanish in high school. I would love for her to be able to speak in Spanish with my parents, to speak a language that I spoke everyday with my parents and grandparents as a little girl . A little girl growing up in America , with Spanish culture always close by. My parents and I love to watch flamenco dancing, and we love flamenco music. We went to a festival when we were in Spain , and I could have stayed there for days watching and listening , I just enjoyed it so much. I wonder if you would consider doing a documentary on Flamenco dancing and music ? This would be a good one as well.
I thank you for the little taste of Espana you gave to me tonight.
You brought back to my memory my time in Spain , my Fathers country,
my heritage that I never want to forget.
Gracias,
Angel ( Angelita )
by Angel ( Sevilla ) Overholt from Sacramento , ca
September 5, 2009, 1:53 AM
Hispanic Advocate
I agree with the others, this was the most beautiful documentary I've ever seen. I'm a teacher and to see this was very educational to me. I will highly recommended for other teachers to watch. My family is latin descent, to hear these ladies speak and understand there passion for this sport was incrediable.
Thank you! Mil Gracias!
by Deanna M. Carrasco from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
September 5, 2009, 10:01 AM
Thank you!
My father was in the military, and we lived in Spain for 6 years (2 tours of approx 3 years each). I loved attending and watching the bullfights. I never had the opportunity to watch female Matadors, but as a female, always wished that could be me down there; one with the bull. The crowds, the energy, along with your complete focus on the Matador and the bull. To me, it was like watching a boxing match with two magnificent contenders at the height of their skills.
It takes bravery to get into that ring and face down an animal who could kill you with one head-swipe. The Matadors all had such great form; it was like watching a ballet. Watching Eva "perform" brought that all back to me. Mari is very good, don't get me wrong, but there was something in Eva in your film that dazzled me the same way it did years ago, that brought it all back to me. She was as good as the best of the Matadors I saw then, and I saw fights in Madrid. She had marlevous form, and the attitude. She can turn her back on a bull with the best of them! Eva was also elegant in her comments ("...you're looking at yourself...there is nowhere to hide"), and I love the art she creates. I hope one day that she will be able to go back into the ring. After all, El Cordobes came out of retirement once; why can't she? I know she wanted to fight in Spain, but perhaps Latin America is where she should go?
Bravo to the filmakers, Mari, and Eva for a fantastic film!
by Shawn Jackson from Culver City, CA
September 5, 2009, 11:50 AM
Outstanding
Matadors have always evoked grace and bravery and a most unique one to one, eye to eye moment in time. Women bring another dimension to this dangerous ballet. Brava to those who enter the ring.
by Linda Perkins from williamsville, nY
September 7, 2009, 12:19 AM
the spirit of the bull fighter
thank you Eva and Mari
I was very moved by the film..I have never seen a bull fight but the reverance and spirit that you both gave the bull and the art was moving. Both your passions were felt to the core of my being.. You both are remarkable women and wonderful role models..by this film women of the world and any person whatever their sex has been allowd to feel the passion of the art of bull fight and the respect you have for the bull itself.. bravo I stand up in my room and salute the both of you
by colleen craig from Roberts Creek British Columbia, Canada
September 7, 2009, 12:46 AM
Ella es El Matador
I was just so taken with Mari Pazwhen talking to Eva during the "small-town"bullfight,and Eva remarking how the bull she drew was like fighting a calf,and Mari Paz saying to give your best.then to find out this was the only bull she was allowed to fight that whole season!And after all the dedication and sacrifice.Just heartbreaking,when earlier in the video showed her skill,bravery and prowess with a full size bull.Damn the powers that be in bullfighting. Best of luck,Eva,in whatever you decide.By Johnny Titcombe,Miamisburg,Ohio.
by John Titcombe from Miamisburg, Ohio
September 8, 2009, 10:47 PM
A Solemn Moment
I saw Corrida de Toros a Plaza Monumental in Barcelona three weeks ago on August 16. It was my first bullfight. Mari Paz and Eva described it best as being all about the bull. Each Bullfight was a little different depending on the bull, and the the matador. Thank you for your film. It helped me to understand more about this sacred art. Was that Eva Bullfighting naked with the calf? Very beautiful scene. I nearly cried near the end when Mari Paz dropped to her knees before the bull and prayed--Was she acknowledging the sacredness the Bull. Wow! There were no male bullfighters doing this in Barca!!! Ella es el matador. OLE!
by Marco Castro from La Crosse, WI
September 10, 2009, 4:20 PM
A true passion can never die.
Eva, when you're truly passionate about your one and most sacredd call in life, why settle for less? Fortunate, in America women have come a long way as compared to Spain as to let a macho-dominated society ruin the dreams of someone who shows more "cojones" than many of the businessmen in charge of the destinies of amazing women like you.
How much of an economic investment would it take for you to pay your own way towards achieving your dream?
As long as the light still shines bright inside, I've learned as a successful Latin American immigrant businessman that the sky is the limit when one never gives up. As long as the public still want to see you succeed, and as long as you still believe in yourself, money is just another of the temporary obstacles that make you take a temporary detour towards the achievement of your dreams.
If you add the impetu originated by this superb documental to an entrepreneurial fresh perspective that can propel you forward, and help you in very specific ways would you be interested in re-thinking your decision about giving up this timeless art form? There are many inventive ways by which you can generate the income you need to keep going...Would love to hear from you...Never settle for anything else than your wildest dreams!
by Luis Espinosa from Mundelein, IL
September 11, 2009, 1:14 PM
Cruelty not Artistry
It amazes me that people can see the beauty in something that is so cruel. Do they know that the bull is already weakened (by being stabbed in strategic places on his body) to make him a less formidable opponent? Women can embolden themselves in much better ways. I read the follow-up on one of the matadors who has since become a painter - that is something to admire - creating beauty instead of causing suffering and death to a senscient being. I think the OPB should apologize for glorifying such a violent activity (I truly hesitate to call it a sport) and for those who defend the tradition of bullfighting, I say step out of the dark ages and embrace a more compassionate future for man and beast alike
by Jeff Jones from Gardiner, WA
September 18, 2009, 11:46 AM
Possible Ban on Bullfighting in Catalonia
From the New York Times:
"Over the last three decades or so, dwindling interest among young Catalans has combined with pressure from animal-rights advocates and from Catalan nationalists to cripple toreo in Catalonia. Across the region’s four provinces, bullrings have closed; Barcelona’s is the only one still active.
Now a referendum before the Catalan Parliament would end bullfighting here altogether. There has long been talk in this part of Spain about a total prohibition on toreo. Fans have played it down. But this time, even aficionados think a ban is likely to pass."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/01/arts/01abroad.html?ref=arts
by Ruiyan Xu from New York, NY
October 1, 2009, 11:51 AM