Frida Kahlo was born July 6, 1907, in Coyoacán, Mexico and died at age 47 on July 13, 1954, in Coyoacán. Kahlo’s father is German of Hungarian descent and a Mexican mother of Spanish and Native American descent. So many people know her name worldwide because of her art. Kahlo is also known for her relationship with muralist Diego Rivera who she married in 1929, divorced 1939, and remarried in 1940. Her likeness is often seen in markets, not just her art, but on clothing, purses and other objects – as well as murals. Worldwide, not just Mexico.
I must mention this, as many individuals have asked me this week. The new film from Amazon MGM Studios is not the same one from 2002, starring Salma Hayek and Alfred Molina that was nominated for Academy Awards in various categories, as well as other awards in the nation and worldwide. This is a documentary with beautiful animation. The film was screened at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.
Directed by Carla Gutiérrez (RBG, 2018 editor, Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines (2012, editor) this documentary is based on the real-life story of the famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The film embarks on a profoundly intimate and enchanting exploration into the existence of Frida Kahlo’s life and art, and the documentation left by the artist herself in a book (shown in images). Through her own words and compilation of pieces, this unique journey unfolds. Inspired by the enduring beauty of her remarkable artwork, the narrative comes alive through expressive animation. The artwork and animation on display on the big screen when I viewed the film is so captivating. See this film on the largest screen possible to enjoy the visuals.
Synopsis: An intimately raw and magical journey through the life, mind, and heart of iconic artist Frida Kahlo, FRIDA is told through her own words for the very first time, drawn from her famed illustrated diary, revealing letters, essays, and candid print interviews — and brought vividly to life by lyrical animation inspired by her unforgettable artwork. The feature film directorial debut of acclaimed editor Carla Gutiérrez (RBG, La Corona), FRIDA posits a striking context as to why the artist – and her art — remains as powerful as ever.
There is a long list of archival consultants and researchers credited for this film. As the credits rolled for the film, there are several individuals credited for the voice of Frida and others during the storytelling about this well-known Mexican artist.
The dialogue is in Spanish, with subtitled translation. The animation may or may not appeal to all viewers, but this Frida does provide a deeper look into the strong individual that she was.
Executive Producers: Lynne Benioff, Alexa Conway, Meredith Kaulfers, Julie Cohen, Betsy West, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard. Produced by: Katia Maguire, Sara Bernstein, Justin Wilkes, Loren Hammonds, Alexandra Johnes. Run Time: 87 minutes Rating: R
Frida is now available exclusively on Prime Video – March 15, 2024
Source: Amazon MGM Studios ###