By: Jamie Steinberg
For fans of famed artist Frida Kahlo, like myself, watching the animated feature film Hola Frida was too much to pass up. This well crafted tale of her early years reminds me of the incredible book I Am Frida by Brad Meltzer – aimed at providing children a glimpse into the life of this exceptional painter and political activist. Kahlo’s work is deeply rooted in her Mexican heritage and with Hola Frida viewers learn more about her creativity and resilience.
The animated film begins with a grown Frida Kahlo stuck in a wheelchair whose pet monkey coaxes her into the photography studio in their home once occupied by her father. This reminds Frida of her childhood filled with fun and play sessions with a neighborhood dog and her sister Cristina. We also see that she has always had a gift for drawing; however, her time at school is cut short when she contracts Polio. Haunted by visions of death during her illness, Frida fights back and regains her strength – determined to win a local rollerskating competition (something I was unaware of as a Kahlo aficionado). We then fast forward through her growing up and finding her way in the world. At the age of eighteen we see that Kahlo was a promising artist and had hopes of going to med school which were dashed when a bus she was riding in was involved in an accident and the injuries she suffered left her confined to bed for three months. It is during this time that she rediscovers that room her father had and sparks an interest in becoming an artist.
This sweet look into the life of Frida Kahlo is more geared towards children, but is still completely fascinating. Directors André KadiI and Karine Vézina do justice to this deeply talented woman by beautifully highlighting her unique stamp on modern art through the magical blending of Expressionism and Surrealism. We see a young, vibrant, determined Frida rise, fall and rise again during her youth in Coyoacán, Mexico. My only qualm was that there was no sprinkling throughout of actual paintings done by Kahlo. I think viewers who are unfamiliar with her special gifts would have liked to have seen her development and the works that made her the most famous.
Hola Frida is a touching look at the life of tormented and talented artist Frida Kahlo. Through animation we see her early years unfold and the beauty she went on to create. For those who have yet to meet this resilient woman, now is the time.