There are around two million migrants from the Mexican state of Oaxaca currently living in the U.S. Director Daniel Oliveras de Ita’s educational documentary Pasajuego: The Oaxacan Indigenous Game of Pelota Mixteca takes a unique approach and explores this community through a beloved Mexican sport.
Pelota mixteca (which translates to “mixtec ball”) – a sport that, to this untrained eye, somewhat resembles volleyball or badminton without a net – has its roots in Oaxaca and is a point of pride for many Oaxacans. More than a game, it’s a source of bonding and connection to family and heritage, especially for migrants far from home.
Often passed down to boys from their older male relatives, pelota mixteca for many is a tradition or even a way of life. When Oaxacans began migrating to the U.S. for work in the ‘70s, some brought the local game with them to California. Besides being a source of fun to break up the monotony of the grind, pelota mixteca brings a comforting piece of home that can be passed down to the younger generation of Mexican Americans born in the U.S.
Although the film centers around the sport, the focus is not on the game itself but on its social meaning. The sports documentary captures the joy and passion pelota mixteca inspires in the hard-working men who can barely make time to play together on the weekends. To those missing home and family, the game brings joy, community, and a sense of freedom.
While this well-shot documentary doesn’t ignore the hardships many migrants face, Pasajuego chooses to focus predominantly on a source of joy and bonding for the community. The Oaxacan game of pelota mixteca offers a unique entry point for understanding the experience of community members and reminds us of the importance of connection, wherever we may find it. Recommended for sports film collections in public libraries or for professors teaching about Mexican culture.