Written in partnership with Mae Cornes
Cheyenne Rae Hernandez as the iconic Frida Kahlo
In the annals of art history, few figures loom as large as Frida Kahlo. Her paintings, raw and unflinching, capture the essence of love, betrayal, and the indomitable human spirit. Now, a powerful new film will bring Kahlo’s extraordinary life to the big screen in a way that has never been seen before.
“Winter as Frida Kahlo,” directed by the visionary Noah Bros, is a breathtakingly bold take on the artist’s life, diving deep into the love, betrayal, and resilience that defined her.
This unforgettable cinematic experience is expected to premiere on the international film festival circuit in late 2024.
A Dual Role for a Complex Relationship
At the heart of “Winter as Frida Kahlo” is the relationship between Frida Kahlo and her younger sister Cristina, with both sisters played in a tour-de-force dual role by rising star Cheyenne Rae Hernandez.
Born and raised in El Paso to Mexican parents, Hernandez brings authenticity and depth to the characters, which is both captivating and heartbreaking.
Co-directors Dan and Bramwell Noah found it crucial to have one actress play both sisters. “It was never going to be easy until it was,” Dan Noah says. “Cheyenne read the script and simply became Frida. And then, when you weren’t looking, she transformed into Cristina, too.”
Hernandez takes on a dual role in “Winter as Frida Kahlo”
The dual role lets the film explore the complex dynamics between the sisters in a completely unique way. While Cristina was Frida’s closest confidant, she also engaged in an affair with Frida’s husband, Diego Rivera, a betrayal that left deep scars on the artist’s psyche.
Meanwhile, Simon Palomares delivers a striking portrayal of Diego Rivera, a man who is, by turns, childish, manipulative, hilarious, and egotistical, but above all, a man we can understand as the great love of Frida Kahlo’s life.
Painting a Life in Vivid Color
Visually, “Winter as Frida Kahlo” promises to be a feast for the eyes by drawing heavily from Kahlo’s own artwork.
Costume designer Terry Tubbs set out to create a world that feels like a painting coming to life without leaving the very human story out of the picture.
“I didn’t want to just copy the Frida look. It was important to exemplify the person she was behind the headlines and do justice to Frida’s incredible legacy,” says Tubbs. “Every frame of the film is infused with the colors, textures, and symbols that made her work so powerful and enduring.”
The result is a film that doesn’t just tell Kahlo’s story but immerses the audience in her world. Yunfan Zhang’s art direction brilliantly brings alive everything from the vibrant streets of Mexico City to the lush gardens of her beloved Casa Azul. “Winter as Frida Kahlo” is a sensory journey that captures the essence of the artist’s life and work.
A Hollywood Touch with an Enigmatic Role
Adding to the film’s star power is Daniel Schepisi (nephew of legendary director Fred Schepisi) in the enigmatic role of “The Bostonian.” Schepisi is extraordinary as a haunting spiritual guide to Frida, a mysterious figure who appears at key moments in her life to offer wisdom and perspective.
“The story is unbelievably moving, but it also had me seriously laughing out loud,” says Schepisi. “The Frida you think you know is all there. In fact, she grabs you by the throat. You just can’t look away.”
Daniel Schepisi as “The Bostonian”
As “Winter as Frida Kahlo” prepares to debut on the film festival circuit, anticipation is building for what is set to be a landmark film. In a time when biopics of everyone from rock stars to royalty are all the rage, it feels fitting that the artist who pioneered the art of self-representation should finally get the cinematic treatment she deserves.
With its daring vision, stunning visuals, and powerhouse performances, “Winter as Frida Kahlo” is poised to be a film that will provoke exciting discussions for years to come.
Explore the film’s official website for a more intimate look at Kahlo’s iconic story brought to life.
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