Each morning kicks off with the bull-run through the streets: those who dare are chased through narrow streets by a herd of stampeding cattle. In the afternoon the exhausted bulls are put to death by matadors, to wild cheers. Every attempt to ban bullfighting in Spain has failed. In fact, since Spain joined the EU, it has enjoyed a renaissance as Spaniards stand up for their cultural heritage. "We create art with a fierce, courageous and strong animal" says leading matador Enrique Ponce. Journalist Charo Perez calls it "a rainbow of colour, a liturgy... a wonderful dance". The head coach at Madrid's prestigious bullfighting school believes "A bullfighter is born, but the school builds him." In this macho world Ana Infante is in training, and wants to make history: "The bull is my friend because he will give me glory" . But matador veterans scoff at the idea of a female matador "You need balls - and women don't have them" . In the ring the bull is weakened and enraged with harpoons to the neck, before it faces the matador. This film captures the powerful aura of mystique and history that surrounds what many call a barbaric and outdated sport.

Produced by ABC Australia