First Lady of the Revolution

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 charismatic local farmer. That ride would propel her 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 José ‘Don Pepe’ Figueres in 1941 led to a decade-long journey through activism, exile and political upheaval, and ultimately, lasting political reform.

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.

First Lady of the Revolution premiered at Sidewalk Film Festival on August 27th and won three awards, including the Audience Award for Best Alabama Film.  The documentary went on to win 10 international awards, including the Audience Award at the Fairhope Film Festival and the Hoka Award at the Oxford, Mississippi Film Festival.  In addition to the festival run, First Lady of the Revolution was the centerpiece of a partnership between Spark Media and the government of Costa Rica that allowed the film to be screened in Costa Rican embassies and consulates worldwide.  To date, the film has screened in nearly 30 locations in 22 different countries.

The film premiered on WORLD Channel in March 2018 as part of the third season of Reel South, and was so popular that it was brought back for Reel South Season Five in Spring 2020 for an encore broadcast run.  In Costa Rica, the film premiered on Trece Costa Rica Televisión in August 2019 and continues to be broadcast multiple times a year.

Visit the film’s official website at www.firstladyoftherevolution.com.