The Embassy of Panama in Jordan and the Instituto Cervantes in Amman present “The Fists of a Nation”, a documentary directed by Pituka Ortega that offers a deep and moving look at Panama’s history through the legendary figure of boxer Roberto Durán, exploring how sports can become a symbol of identity, resilience, and national pride.
Synopsis: Some say heroes are not born, they are made. Often, this happens by accident, and almost always, those who assume the role are the least likely candidates. The Fists of a Nation delves into this phenomenon through the life of the legendary and charismatic Panamanian boxer Roberto Hands of Stone Durán.
This remarkable debut feature-length documentary by Pituka Heilbron offers an unflinching exploration of a powerful icon whose influence resonated across the region and beyond. During the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, Panama -like much of Latin America- struggled to assert itself against the overwhelming presence of the United States.
In Panama, that presence was even more pronounced, as the U.S. controlled the Panama Canal and had raised its flag on Panamanian soil since the early 20th century.
In the 1950s, in El Chorrillo -one of Panama City’s poorest neighborhoods- a boy named Roberto Durán was born. He would later earn the name “Hands of Stone.” A street kid who fought to survive, Durán discovered boxing simply because he liked the team. When he committed to the sport, he vowed to become the best boxer in the world. And so began his relentless climb, victory after victory.
Meanwhile, Panama was in the throes of an identity crisis, racing to secure a treaty that would return the Canal and occupied areas to Panamanians. To achieve this, the country’s leader, Omar Torrijos, needed to reignite a fragile sense of national pride. In Durán, he found the perfect symbol, a figure who could make Panamanians proud of themselves again.
The intertwined story of Panama and Durán reaches epic proportions in 1980, when Durán challenges America’s "Golden Boy", Sugar Ray Leonard, for the world welterweight title. At the time, Central America was feeling the iron grip of Reagan’s policies. To confront -and possibly defeat- Leonard carried immense political and ideological weight.
Durán’s triumphs transcended borders, elevating him to the status of a Latin American hero.
Yet the glory and pride he inspired were fleeting. Both Durán and Panama embarked on a turbulent journey of highs and lows, culminating in his final “world title” fight, a disappointing bout that nevertheless filled the arena in June 2000.
Through archival footage and candid interviews, The Fists of a Nation reveals how nations plagued by the deep-rooted illness of collective low self-esteem cling to their heroes, however unpredictable or flawed, because they embody the courage to chase dreams. A courage we, as nations, must learn to embrace.
