In celebration of what would have been Frida Kahlo’s 118th birthday, the Coral Gables Art Cinema will host three special screenings of Frida – Viva la Vida, an immersive documentary that reveals the duality of one of the 20th century’s most iconic artists. The film will be shown July 4 through July 6 as part of the cinema’s Great Art on Screen series, which showcases acclaimed documentaries about legendary visual artists and art movements.

Directed by Italian filmmaker Giovanni Troilo and narrated by actress Asia Argento, Frida – Viva la Vida is far from a conventional biopic. The 93-minute film offers an introspective journey through Kahlo’s inner world, alternating between poetic reenactments, interviews with art historians, and archival material—much of it anchored in Kahlo’s own words. Letters, diary entries, and confessions form the emotional backbone of a story that, like her art, blends suffering and strength in vivid, defiant color.

Kahlo’s paintings, many housed in renowned museums across Mexico, are woven into the film’s visual storytelling, offering viewers a rich backdrop against which her voice and vision emerge. The documentary explores both the revolutionary spirit that made her a feminist and cultural icon, and the deeply personal struggles she endured: chronic pain, romantic turmoil, and the quest for identity.

“This is a refreshing change from the timeline and talking heads approach of your standard visual arts documentary,” wrote Andrew Pulver in The Guardian, praising the film’s immersive and nonlinear style.

The Coral Gables Cinema screenings fall on three consecutive days:

• Friday, July 4 at 4:30 p.m.
• Saturday, July 5 at 12:00 p.m.
• Sunday, July 6 at 12:00 p.m.

Tickets are $20 or less for the general public and just $16 for cinema members, who also enjoy waived online service fees and other benefits. Advance reservations are encouraged, as Great Art on Screen events often sell out.

While Kahlo’s paintings—like The Two Fridas or Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird—are instantly recognizable, the film draws attention to her lesser-known writings, revealing a mind as complex and expressive as her canvases. From her physical pain following a near-fatal bus accident to her passionate and stormy relationship with muralist Diego Rivera, the documentary delves into the experiences that shaped both her art and her uncompromising self-image.

The screening is part of the cinema’s broader mission to offer curated, global perspectives on film, art, and culture. Recent Great Art on Screen offerings have included documentaries on Vermeer, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Impressionists. Frida – Viva la Vida is distributed by ByExperience and presented in both English and Spanish with English subtitles, projected in 4K DCP for exceptional visual clarity.

For many, Kahlo’s life remains a source of fascination precisely because she refused to be reduced to a single narrative. She was at once a surrealist and a realist, a nationalist and an internationalist, a symbol of resilience and an embodiment of vulnerability. This film embraces those contradictions, painting a portrait as layered as the artist herself.

Audiences interested in exploring the full slate of Special Presentations at Coral Gables Art Cinema are encouraged to visit the venue’s website, where additional one-time-only or limited screenings are listed.

To reserve tickets or learn more, visit www.gablescinema.com. Whether you’re a longtime admirer of Kahlo’s work or encountering her story for the first time, Frida – Viva la Vida offers a compelling reason to return to the theater—and to reflect on the enduring power of art that refuses to look away. Join now to save up to $4 per ticket—plus, skip the online service fees!