‘Emilia Pérez’ star Adriana Paz and ‘Society of the Snow’ lead Agustín Pardella will star in the untold story of Hilda Gadea, the first wife of revolutionary Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara.
Based on Gadea’s memoirs, “My Life With Him (Che)” (“Mi vida con él (Che))” turns on the woman whose influence was pivotal in shaping the political vision of one of the most significant icons of the 20th century but whose voice was largely lost in the telling of his.
Production companies Salado (Uruguay) and Arboleda (Argentina) have joined forces to adapt her memoir for the big screen. Silvina Estévez, best known for her documentaries “Años cortos, dias eternos,” “Me gusta cuando hablas” and “School-of-Life,” is attached to direct the narrative feature.
Set in the 1950s, the film will retrace the momentous meeting between a young Ernesto – long before he became “Che” – and Hilda, a Peruvian economist, intellectual and activist, whose sharp political vision and energy left a lasting mark on his path. At its core, the story delves into their romantic bond, Hilda’s journey through motherhood and the agonizing choice that ultimately shaped her life: remain by her daughter’s side or follow the call of the revolution.
“Hilda Gadea is not just Che’s wife. She is a woman with strong ideas, a professional, an activist and mother. As a director, I am deeply moved to have Adriana Paz, an actress of immense sensitivity and strength, embody Hilda,” said Estévez.
Said Paz: “To interpret Hilda Gadea is both a privilege and a tremendous responsibility. Her story reminds us that behind every historical figure are voices that deserve to be heard –especially the voices of women who influenced and transformed their time. Being part of this film is a way to bring that memory to life and to question how history is told. Moreover, being part of a Latin American production that unites us through Spanish and our shared roots is profoundly meaningful to me.”
Argentine actor Agustín Pardella, known for his role in J.A. Bayona’s acclaimed “Society of the Snow,” will play Ernesto Guevara.
“I celebrate that this is a project told by women. I firmly believe that there are ways of seeing the world that only exist if we are given the opportunity to put them on screen. Just as Hilda understood that economics was a tool of power, so too is film.”
Now in development, the project is looking for international production partners to help bring to life a story that weaves the personal and the political into a powerful, globally resonant narrative.
