A cinematic portrait of one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century is set to captivate audiences once again. Frida Kahlo, the acclaimed film from Exhibition on Screen, returns to cinemas nationwide on 19 May 2026 in an extended encore edition, featuring exclusive new material that deepens its exploration of the artist’s life, work and enduring cultural impact.
First released during the Covid-19 pandemic to limited audiences, the film now re-emerges at a moment of renewed global interest in Kahlo, coinciding with the major transatlantic exhibition Frida: The Making of an Icon, opening at Tate Modern in June. This updated version offers a timely and immersive experience, allowing viewers to engage with Kahlo’s story on screen before encountering her work in the gallery.
Frida Kahlo’s image is instantly recognisable; her striking features, bold self-portraits, and signature style have made her a cultural symbol across generations. Yet beyond the mythology lies a complex and deeply personal story. Directed by Ali Ray and produced by Phil Grabsky, the film seeks to uncover the woman behind the icon, tracing her journey through passion, pain, creativity, and political conviction.
Drawing on newly added footage from the upcoming exhibition, the film expands its scope to examine Kahlo’s transformation into a global brand and the phenomenon often referred to as “Fridamania.” Contemporary artists and cultural figures, including Mary McCartney, Amalia Mesa-Bains, and Yasumasa Morimura, reflect on how Kahlo’s legacy continues to resonate today, influencing new generations of artists and activists.
At its core, the film remains an intimate study of Kahlo’s artistic vision. Through detailed analysis of her most significant works, enhanced by cutting-edge visual technology, audiences are invited to experience her paintings with unprecedented clarity. The narrative is guided by Kahlo’s own words, drawn from her letters, offering insight into her emotional world and the symbolism woven throughout her art.
The extended edition also provides rare access to key locations that shaped Kahlo’s life, including her home and studio, illuminating the sources of her creative energy and resilience. From her turbulent personal relationships to her unwavering commitment to self-expression, the film presents a portrait that is as revealing as it is visually rich.
The renewed release arrives amid record-breaking attention on Kahlo’s work, with her painting El sueño (La cama)recently selling for $54.7 million—making it the most expensive artwork by a female artist ever sold at auction. This milestone underscores her lasting significance not only within art history but also within the broader cultural landscape.
With a runtime of 101 minutes, Frida Kahlo offers a compelling blend of scholarly insight and cinematic storytelling. By combining expert interviews, archival material and newly commissioned content, the film provides both newcomers and longtime admirers with a deeper understanding of an artist whose influence shows no sign of fading.
This extended encore provides a celebration of her legacy and an invitation to look beyond the surface of a global icon, into the life of a woman who transformed her personal struggles into revolutionary art.
FRIDA KAHLO: from 19th May 2026
Runtime: 101 mins
Houston from 19 January to 17 May 2026
Tate Modern in London from 25 June 2026 – 3 January 2027
Tickets available at www.mfah.org and www.tate.org.uk
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