Country Brand Ambassador Alfonsina Maldonado Premiered a Documentary on Disney+

The story of Uruguayan equestrian athlete Alfonsina Maldonado took on a new international dimension with the premiere of Las Huellas del Fuego, the ESPN Films documentary produced in collaboration with the Uruguayan production company Neto Films. The film has been available on Disney+ throughout Latin America since September 14.

Directed and shot by Julián Dabién, the film follows Maldonado during one of South America’s most demanding competitions: a horseback trek through Argentine Patagonia. Amid breathtaking landscapes, intimate testimonials, and the inherent difficulties of the journey, the narrative weaves together the athletic challenge with her personal story and shows how adversity can become a force for transformation.

The documentary premiered at the Life Cultural Alfabeta cinema in Montevideo before a packed house. Maldonado was joined by members of the film’s production team and celebrated the opportunity to share her journey with a regional audience. “It’s a dream, an achievement, and a source of pride. My story is the story of my country,” she said during the event.

The premiere marks a new milestone in the athlete’s journey; she represented Uruguay in dressage at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. Horses have played a central role in her personal recovery and in her dedication to serving others. Alfonsina is a leader in equine therapy and does outstanding work supporting children and young people who have suffered burns, particularly patients at Pereira Rossell Hospital.

Her athletic career, social commitment, and ability to inspire led to her appointment as a Country Brand ambassador. This recognition allows her to represent Uruguay on her international trips, at competitions, and in international projects, while also amplifying a story deeply rooted in the national identity.

For Maldonado, taking on this role means having support that helps open new opportunities abroad. “Wearing the Marca País logo or serving as an ambassador is a source of support, a point of reference,” she stated when she received the honor. She also highlighted the responsibility of conveying the values she associates with Uruguay: “Generosity, tenacity, the ‘charrúa’ spirit, and the desire to dream, no matter where you come from.”

Las Huellas del Fuego thus goes beyond the mere documentation of a competition. The protagonist’s goal is not merely to complete an extreme race, but to show that even the deepest wounds can be transformed into hope. The film tells a story of determination and perseverance, but also of compassion, teamwork, and the power to inspire others.

For Alfonsina, this premiere also looks toward the future. The athlete is already preparing for the challenge of qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. As she moves toward that goal, the documentary brings a story born in Uruguay to millions of viewers and showcases to the world the values that Maldonado embodies as a Country Brand ambassador.