Synopsis:
While visiting an aunt and uncle in the exotic countryside of Costa Rica, a young southern belle from Alabama accepted a ride on the back of a motorcycle belonging to a local charismatic farmer — a ride that would propel her down narrow mountain roads and into history.
First Lady of the Revolution is the remarkable story of Henrietta Boggs, who fell in love with a foreign land and the man destined to transform its identity. Her marriage to future President of Costa Rica Jose ‘Don Pepe’ Figueres in 1941 led to a decade-long journey through activism, exile and political upheaval and, ultimately, lasting progressive reforms.
First Lady of the Revolution is not only a depiction of the momentous struggle to shape Costa Rica’s democratic identity; it’s also a portrayal of how a courageous woman escaped the confines of a traditional, sheltered existence to expand her horizons into a new world, and live a life she never imagined.
Press Quotes:
"Fascinating oral history about Costa Rican social history from a nonagenarian still sharp as a tack and very engaging"
- Louis Proyect, Counterpunch.org
"It's a fascinating documentary. [Henrietta's] transformation from a somewhat sheltered Southern belle to one of the leaders of a historic revolution is told by her so matter-of-factly that it makes her independence and bravery all the more impressive."
- Rick Harmon, Montgomery Advertiser
Awards:
Sidewalk Film Festival (Audience Award for Best Alabama Film, Jury Award Honorable Mention for Best Film, Spirit of Sidewalk Award for Henrietta Boggs
Oxford Film Festival (Hoka Award for Best Documentary)
Fairhope Film Festival (Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary)
Worldfest Houston (Platinum Remi Award)
IndieFEST Award for Excellence
Spotlight Documentary Film Awards (Gold Award)
3 TIVA-DC Peer Awards (Bronze for Best Documentary and Original Score; Silver for Best Original Song)
Pixie Award for Motion Graphics