Nina Gilden Seavey, a research professor emerita of history and media and public affairs at George Washington University, was named to the New York Times’ list of favorite films from the past 25 years for her documentary “The Matador.” The film follows rising star David Fandila, known as El Fandi, in his quest to become the 13th matador to defeat 100 bulls in a single season.
“The Matador” explores not only the physical danger of the bullring, including a graphic goring, but also the ethical debates surrounding the sport, protests by animal rights activists and personal tensions with Fandila’s family.