Goya-Nominated Zoe Bonafonte Leads Spain-Argentina Soccer Pioneer Drama ‘Veleta’ (EXCLUSIVE)
A new Spanish-Argentine co-production titled "Veleta" chronicles the life of Ana Carmona Ruiz, Spain's pioneering female footballer who competed in the early twentieth century by assuming a male identity. The film stars Goya-nominated actress Zoe Bonafonte in the lead role, alongside Goya-winning actor Dani Rovira and Vikings performer Moe Dunford, with direction by Paco Torres and co-writing by Amaya Muruzábal, known for her work on the acclaimed series Red Queen.
Set in 1917 Málaga during the Rif War, the narrative follows Carmona's determination to pursue football whilst concealing her identity, with her teammates eventually becoming protective conspirators in maintaining her secret. Currently filming across multiple Andalusian locations, the production brings together several European companies and has received institutional support from Spanish film authorities. The project aims to bring recognition to an underrepresented historical chapter when theatrical release occurs in 2027.
- "Veleta" dramatises the life of Spain's first female footballer, who played disguised as a man in early 20th-century Málaga whilst her teammates kept her secret
- The production stars Goya-nominated Zoe Bonafonte alongside Goya winner Dani Rovira and Vikings actor Moe Dunford, directed by Paco Torres and co-written by Red Queen showrunner Amaya Muruzábal
- Scheduled for 2027 release, the film examines historical barriers to women's participation in sport and their struggle for self-determination