‘Estimados Señores’ Honors The Women Who Changed Colombia

“Estimados Señores” is an empowering and unflinching film unafraid to embrace vulnerability and let the tears flow. 

The movie was shown at the Chicago Latin Film Festival at Landmark Century Cinema Theatre April 5. Though it was released in Colombia in November 2024, recently it’s been distributed to select theatres in the U.S.

“Estimados Señores” translates to “Dear Gentlemen” in English. Directed by Patricia Castañeda, the piece details the overlooked tale of women gaining the right to vote in Colombia. Women’s suffrage was legalized in 1954 in Colombia, becoming one of the last countries in Latin America to grant this right, according to Hispanic Outlook. 

Julieth Restrepo stars as the protagonist Esmeralda Arboleda who, with other trailblazing women, was one of the main activists who resisted the men in charge of the Colombian government. 

Esmeralda draws attention to the movement, appealing to journalists around the country to report on their advocacy. In spite of constant belittling and disrespect from men, Esmeralda’s spirit is never doused. 

Through her speeches and protests Esmeralda fights to deliver the movement’s cause to the male, domineering politicians residing in the capitol city, Bogotá. 

Restrepo (“Tuya, mía… te la apuesto,” “The Residence”) expertly portrays Esmeralda’s quick wit, determination and shrouded sarcasm while breaking down the egos of those in charge. 

Shaky camerawork and amplified shouts intensify the fervent protests of women campaigning for their rights. The film highlights each individual sign of activism, making the audience feel as though they’re marching right alongside. 

Court proceedings make up a majority of the film. Various government officials — all men — debate women’s suffrage, with Esmeralda being one of five advocates selected to silently sit on the sidelines. 

Despite not being allowed to speak, the women erupt into occasional outbursts, deriding ridiculous claims by government officials, including accusing women of being controlled by their emotions. 

Though the court sequences seem to stretch on, they nevertheless remain engaging. The quick dialogue, passion put forth by the women and conniving cruelty of the male politicians make for a captivating watch. 

Regardless of its inspirations, the film isn’t entirely historically accurate — depicting the court proceedings as if they all happened in one day. The creative liberty magnifies the intensity as the audience feels the constant ticking of the clock, making the fight for suffrage feel like a race against time.

In the relentless pursuit of equality, weariness begins to drag down the courtroom, with women taking off their heels during breaks and men telling each other they want to leave. 

During half-baked concessions and breaks, the men gorge on snacks and smoke cigars while the women plot new legal strategies, juxtaposing the gendered degrees of determination for suffrage. 

Esmeralda’s personal dedication to the movement is conveyed through her familial relationships. During a quick break from court, she cares for her son over the phone, who was injured when playing on the playground with his grandmother. 

Though she could leave the court at any moment, her mother instills the strength in Esmeralda to remain by reminding her of her strength and value — portraying how women support each other. 

That support carries into the film’s final moments, where a young girl comforts Esmeralda while on the verge of a breakdown. The soft moment alludes to a baton pass of strength as Esmeralda fights for a life of equality future generations can grow up in. 

“Estimados Señores” showcases the depth of womanhood, proving any one woman can fight for the rights of eight million others. The film ends with tears, cheers and applause for the women who tirelessly stood for what they deserved — and against those who doubted them. 

“Estimados Señores” tips its hat to the Colombian women who demanded more, and were finally heard.