The documentary Las Amazonas de Yaxunah
Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off on Saturday, September 15, and ESPN has a full slate of dedicated original content and programming built around the theme, Somos (We Are), to highlight the contributions of Latinos in sports. Hispanic Heritage Month-themed programming includes a mix of events, as well as original content that will air across ESPN’s linear and digital properties in English and Spanish throughout the month.
The special programming is highlighted by the television premiere of Las Amazonas de Yaxunah. Presented by AT&T, the film debuts on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes next Tuesday, September 17 at 8pm ET. and airing again at 11pm ET. The film was selected for screenings at the prestigious Los Angeles Latino Film Festival and the New York Latino Film Festival.
Las Amazonas de Yaxunah is a documentary about the spirit and determination of an extraordinary Mayan women’s softball team from Mexico’s’ Yucatán region. The film is directed by filmmaker Alfonso Algara and produced by ESPN Deportes as part of the network’s initiative announced last year to celebrate the Spanish-language network’s 20th anniversary.
The film follows the inspiring journey of this team of 26 passionate players, aged 13 to 62, as they shattered gender stereotypes and overcame immense challenges to pursue their passion for softball. The film takes audiences on a compelling journey to Yaxunah, a small village where resources are scarce, but the resilience and spirit of its people are boundless. It portrays how the team’s origins, sparked by a woman’s refusal to conform to societal expectations, led to a viral video and invitations to play exhibition matches and tournaments across Mexico. Through their travels, Las Amazonas de Yaxunah experienced firsthand the mistreatment faced by indigenous communities, further fueling their determination to not only continue playing softball but also to explore the world and promote inclusivity and women empowerment.
The Spanish version is narrated by Oscar-nominated Indigenous Mexican actress Yalitza Aparicio (Roma), while the English version is narrated by Xochitl Gomez (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness). Following the premiere on linear TV, the extended version of the documentary will be available on ESPN+ in both languages featuring extended scenes.
Other Hispanic Heritage Month highlights include:
Riyadh Season Noche UFC (Sept. 14, ESPN PPV and across platforms)
–Mi Deseo: Un Especial de SC Reportajes (Oct. 11 at 9pm ET on ESPN Deportes)
-Features (Sept. 15-Oct. 15, across ESPN and ESPN Deportes platforms): A series of stories and interviews that highlight the past, present, and future of Latin athletes throughout the month. The athletes featured include Clemente #2 presented by Target: An updated feature on the meaning of #21 to Puerto Rican and Latino players in MLB; José Iglesias presented by Target: A look at how a hit song has turned the Mets infielder into a Major League first; Hannah Hidalgo: A profile on the rise of one Women’s College Basketball’s most exciting – and sneaky – point guard and, Jaquez Family Tree: Exploring how sports and their Mexican heritage binds the Jaquez family.
–Somos el Futuro (starting Sept. 12, across ESPN and ESPN Deportes): A series of vignettes highlighting the next generation of Hispanic stars, which include: Ricardo Pepi, Raul Rosas Jr., Juan Soto
Kamilla Cardoso, Jesse Bam Rodríguez, María Sánchez, Hannah Hidalgo, Isiah Pacheco and Jaime Jaquez.
NFL Hispanic Heritage Month Games – ESPN Deportes’ Monday Night Football coverage on Week 4 (Tennessee Titans vs. Miami Dolphins) and Week 6 (Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets) will feature special content commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month.
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