Saturday, March 1, 2008

Frida in Film

In 2005 the Tate Modern in London presented the film series Angel of Fire: Frida Kahlo Film Programme.

"The Frida Kahlo film programme celebrates Mexico’s rich cinematic history. The series draws on a broad range of documentary and feature films that illuminate Kahlo’s involvement in Mexico’s cultural and political landscape and examines her complex personal relationships. Free programmes of documentaries about Kahlo are held on Sunday afternoons throughout the exhibition's run."

Films shown included:

A Woman in Love (Enamorada)
The Life and Death of Frida Kahlo
¡Que Viva Mexico!
The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo
The Iron Fist (El Puño de Hierro)
Frida Kahlo and Tina Modotti
Aventurera
Macario
Reed: Insurgent Mexico
Frida, Naturaleza Viva
Angel of Fire (Angel de Fuego)
Perfume de Violetas (Violet Perfume)
Nazarín

I visited the Tate's Frida Kahlo exhibition, at which these films were presented, having recently been to Mexico City. I was there at the invitation of Museo Dolores Olmedo to officially witness the removal and crating of her Dr. Eloesser portrait back to San Francisco. Unfortunately I did not see any of these films. I am particularly interested in UK-based Professor/filmmaker Laura Mulvey's film Frida Kahlo and Tina Modotti. Perhaps it can be found on the internet. I will continue to explore.

Not on this list is the feature film Frida by Julie Taymor.

Frida and Dr. Eloesser

Dr. Eloesser, who worked at the San Francisco General Hospital was a lifelong friend of Frida's after she visited San Francisco in her...