The new documentary by Rebecca Basaure and Mariano Carranza captures a Bolivian collective of Indigenous women challenging gender roles with style, community and courage.
Skateboarding becomes a form of resistance and cultural affirmation in Imillaskate, a powerful short film directed by Rebecca Basaure and Mariano Carranza, produced by NOWNESS. The documentary follows the Bolivian collective Imillaskate as they ride through the streets of Cochabamba wearing traditional Quechuan polleras and brimmed hats, blending contemporary sport with ancestral pride.
The film offers intimate portraits of the skaters as they navigate family legacies, identity politics and everyday life. One of the founders, Deysī, recalls her mother’s reaction to her cholita look: “Some people in my generation are embarrassed to wear the pollera because it highlights your Indigenous features. But it’s part of my family legacy. And without family, I’m nobody.” These words echo the film’s central message: embracing one’s roots can be a radical act.
Imillaskate doesn’t only showcase flips and tricks—it documents the collective’s efforts to build a skatepark, their visits to local schools, and the emotional support they offer one another through grief, motherhood and resilience. It is a portrait of solidarity rooted in Indigenous values and a collective mindset. With poetic visuals and honest testimony, the film brings visibility to a generation of women rewriting narratives about what it means to be Quechua, feminine and fearless.
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