The untold saga of the 1971 Women’s Football World Cup is set to be revealed in UK cinemas through the documentary ‘COPA 71’.
The film narrates the extraordinary yet overlooked tale of the tournament, celebrated by record audiences but since erased from the annals of sporting history, with firsthand accounts from the pioneering women involved. The documentary, crafted by directors Rachel Ramsay and James Erskine, known for their work on 'Le Mans: Racing is Everything' and 'Sachin: A Billion Dreams', brings to life the vibrant atmosphere of the 1971 tournament held at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium.
Featuring teams from England, Argentina, Mexico, France, Denmark and Italy, the event boasted extensive TV coverage, enthusiastic sponsorship and merchandise, attracting crowds exceeding 100,000 fans. Despite the scale and success, the event was dismissed by football’s governing bodies and has remained largely unrecognised for the past 50 years.
Dogwoof, the distributor behind 'COPA 71', has released a new trailer and artwork in anticipation of the film’s release, offering a sneak peek into the raw emotion and groundbreaking moments from the tournament, and the challenges and triumphs these women faced on and off the pitch. Set to run for 91 minutes, 'COPA 71' not only celebrates the forgotten chapter of women’s football but also highlights the systemic injustices female athletes faced during that era.
As the film’s release - on March 8 - coincides with International Women’s Day, it serves as a poignant reminder of the progress made and the distance still to go in the battle for gender equality in sports. The documentary promises to be a revelation for football fans and historians alike, as it sheds light on the women who fought for recognition in the face of adversity.
With the hashtag #TheLostLionesses, Dogwoof is bringing attention to these unsung heroes of football, and their incredible story is now poised to finally receive the recognition it deserves.