CEI documentary wins “Best Documentary Feature” award at Anthem Film Festival

Last week, the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) screened its new documentary, Dear Mr. President: The Letters of Julia Sand, at FreedomFest’s Anthem Film Festival in Palm Springs, CA. The film won Anthem’s Best Documentary Feature award and was applauded on its energy, compelling interviews, and inspiring subject matter.

The film tells the dramatic story of how an everyday citizen—who was unable to even vote at the time—influenced the presidency of Chester Arthur, changing his legacy from one of corruption to one of reform.

“It was an incredible honor to screen Dear Mr. President: the Letters of Julia Sand alongside so many fantastic films at the 2025 Anthem Film Festival – and I’m deeply grateful for the film being awarded Best Documentary Feature,” said CEI’s Destry Edwards, the film’s director.

“The story of Chester Arthur and Julia Sand is such an inspirational narrative, and Julia’s legacy encourages us to seek out our own ways to make a difference in our government and in our community. It’s very special to see this film bring more public awareness to this story,” Edwards said.

Dear Mr. President: The Letters of Julia Sand is available to stream on SalemNow. To find out more information about the film and its story, please visit CEI.org. If you are interested in helping to organize a screening, please reach out to [email protected].