Julieth Restrepo: Redefining Hollywood, One Story at a Time

Julieth Restrepo's career is a testament to the power of versatility and passion. From captivating audiences in Colombian television to making waves in international projects like "Griselda" and "Loving Pablo," she embodies a dynamic blend of cultural richness and artistic ambition. But beyond her on-screen presence, Restrepo is a driving force behind Blue Rabbit Films, a production company dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and sparking social change.

Restrepo's ability to seamlessly transition between Colombian and international projects speaks to her unwavering connection to her roots and her hunger for global collaboration. "I’m grateful for having the chance to be working back and forth," she shares, "so I stay connected with my roots when I go to work back home and I can also open new doors and expand my community when I work here. Los Angeles is home now and my base, but I am aware of the incredible projects that are taking place in my country and the evolution that the industry is having over there, so I really want to be part of that."

Driven by a desire to control her narrative and contribute meaningfully to the industry, Restrepo founded Blue Rabbit Films alongside her husband. "Producing is something that I’ve been exploring for the last 12 years, but it wasn’t until I moved to LA that I decided to pursue it actively. Our company is all about diversity, inclusion, and community. It’s about making dreams come true and having some control over what we do and create. For us (my husband and I), having our own company meant that we could also contribute and make a difference with the stories and the people we invite to make them."

"I believe art heals and opens conversations so we can feel more connected to each other. I’ve seen how much storytelling is a way to talk about what’s hard to confront and how important it is to not stay silent."

She emphasizes the impact of her work, particularly in producing short films for the LGBTQ+ community. "For example, the millions of views and comments we’ve had in the short films we’ve produced for the LGBTQ+ community, reflect the impact that a story can have and the need we all have as humanity to be seen, heard, and represented. I truly believe we can inspire through the choices we make and the stereotypes and the boundaries we break."

For aspiring actors and filmmakers, especially those from Colombia, looking to break into the international scene, Restrepo offers simple yet profound advice: "Go for it!… and be patient. Most of the time the journey is not how you exactly imagine, but I promise you it’s worth living. It’s not easy, but it is such a fun ride, even with the ups and downs. Those are precisely the ones that are preparing you for the YES after the NOs, and if someone dreams about breaking into this new challenge, it is because they can do it."

In her latest project, "The Residence," Restrepo portrays Elsyie Chayle, a seemingly beloved White House housekeeper with hidden depths. "I love the fact that she’s loved by everybody at the White House, but at the same time, she hides something that we get to see later in the series. She is a great mom, she’s tough and vulnerable, hardworking, kind, meticulous, and has a lot of layers that are not revealed right away. She’s intriguing and brings a lot of humanity into the murder mystery." Restrepo's preparation involved drawing inspiration from Kate Andersen Brower's book "THE RESIDENCE" and engaging in insightful conversations with Paul William Davies and the directors.

Julieth Restrepo's journey is a compelling narrative of artistic ambition, cultural bridge-building, and social impact. She's a force to be reckoned with, both on and off-screen, proving that storytelling can truly change the world.