Chicago, IL • In a groundbreaking directorial debut, Colombian multi-hyphenate artist Patricia Castañeda is set to premiere her film “Dear Gentlemen” (Estimados Señores) at the 41st Chicago Latino Film Festival. The historical drama, which will open the festival on April 3rd, tells the largely unknown story of women’s suffrage in Colombia through the lens of pioneering activist Esmeralda Arboleda.
For Castañeda, an accomplished actress, screenwriter, and novelist, the journey to directing began with a simple question: why didn’t she know this story? “In the history books of Colombia, they only tell you that the president back then was the one who gave women the right to vote. That’s all it says – just one sentence,” Castañeda explains. Her curiosity led her to uncover a remarkable narrative of persistence and courage, where women fought through eight separate debates to secure their right to vote, making Colombia the last country in Latin America to grant women’s suffrage.
The film centers on Esmeralda Arboleda, played by Julieth Restrepo, who along with a determined group of women, challenged the political establishment in 1954. To bring authenticity to the period piece, Castañeda and her team had to be creative with limited resources. They found locations that preserved the essence of 1950s Bogotá, including a house that remained untouched since that era, and cleverly incorporated historical footage to establish the setting.
The casting process was particularly meaningful for Castañeda, who, as an actor herself, knew many of the potential cast members personally. She sought performers who could capture not just the physical appearance of their historical counterparts, but more importantly, their spirit and determination. The ensemble includes notable Colombian talents Claudio Cataño (recently seen in Netflix’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude”).
When “Dear Gentlemen” premiered in Cali, Colombia, the response was overwhelming. “People stood up and started clapping – something that never happens in Colombia,” Castañeda recalls. More significantly, audiences expressed gratitude for bringing this hidden history to light. “Instead of asking questions, they were grateful about the movie. They kept saying ‘Thank you, I didn’t know about this. How come I didn’t know?'”
The film’s relevance extends beyond its historical context. As Castañeda notes, “We keep on fighting for rights. It’s ridiculous that in 2025, you still have to explain to people what it means to have the same opportunities.” She believes in the power of cinema to create empathy and shift perspectives, hoping that “Dear Gentlemen” will inspire viewers to see things differently and perhaps continue the fight for equality in their own ways.
The film’s U.S. premiere at the 41st Chicago Latino Film Festival represents another milestone in Castañeda’s evolving career. From her early days as an architecture student who stumbled into acting, to becoming a successful performer and writer, and now making her mark as a director, Castañeda continues to push boundaries and tell stories that matter.
“Dear Gentlemen” will screen at the Davis Theater (4614 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625) in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood on April 3rd, kicking off the festival’s opening night gala. The event will include a screening, Q&A with Castañeda, and a celebration at Dank Haus (4740 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625), featuring food, drinks, and live entertainment.
For those interested in experiencing this powerful piece of Latin American cinema and meeting the filmmaker herself, tickets are available at chicagolatinofilmfestival.org. Early bird specials are currently being offered, including discounted gala tickets at $60, representing a $15 savings per ticket.
You are invited. Your seat is waiting at CLFF 41!
