Two years ago, a peculiar soccer event in Guatemala City stirred up a storm of controversy across the country. During a tournament in Zona 14, a team of teens from an affluent private high school, the Ice Devils, won five to two against a team of prostitutes who work near a train line running from the capital to the Pacific Ocean.

Abruptly after the game, these “Railroad All-Stars” (“las estrellas de la linea” for you Spanish-speaking wunderkinds) were kicked out of the tournament, due to their unacceptable social status. This didn’t distract them, however, from their basic commitment to drawing attention to their social marginalization and demanding more just treatment from society.

The documentary chronicling this struggle, directed by Chema Rodriguez of Spain, was awarded the second prize in the Berlin Film Festival and earned an honorable mention in Spain’s Málaga Film Festival. Filmed mainly in Zone 1 of the capital, with additional footage from Petén, Chimaltenango, El Salvador and other places where “las estrellas” took the field, the film is a testament to the dignity and humanity of women who envision a more just Guatemala.

“Las estrellas de la linea” will be shown at 8PM on Tuesday, March 20, at El Cuartito (see page 15); following the film, a producer and two of the actresses – one of whom is originally from Xela – will lead a discussion on the film and the issues it addresses. The event is free with a minimum purchase; stop in at El Cuartito for more information.