Cinema often turns the spotlight on the lives of artists, creatively weaving biography with visual poetry to tell us about both their creative evolution and personal challenges. The following films poignantly showcase the drama, passion, and life-changing power of art through powerful narratives.
Frida
A moving portrayal of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, this film explores her tumultuous relationship with Diego Rivera, her resilience through physical pain, and her revolutionary body of work. Through lush visuals and surreal interludes, it immerses viewers in the imaginative realm Frida created to cope with adversity, making her life as expressive as her canvas.
Loving Vincent
This innovative animated film pays homage to Vincent Van Gogh using over 65,000 oil-painted frames that mirror the Dutch master’s signature style. Unfolding as a posthumous investigation, the story explores Van Gogh’s final days, transforming his troubled legacy into a dazzling visual experience unlike any other.
My Left Foot
The moving true story of Christy Brown, an Irish writer and painter born with cerebral palsy who could control only his left foot. The film traces Christy Brown’s journey from hardship to artistic triumph and celebrates his remarkable persistence and the support of a loving family, lighting up the creative spirit against all odds.
Girl with a Pearl Earring
Set in 17th-century Holland, this evocative drama imagines the delicate connection between Johannes Vermeer and his enigmatic young muse, Griet. The narrative delicately weaves art, desire, and social constraints, reflecting how a single portrait could alter lives and echo through history.
Through the Eyes of a Painter
Directed by M. F. Husain, this experimental short film distills the painter’s impressions of Rajasthan into cinematic poetry. Wordless, atmospheric, and richly visual, it offers a meditation on the interplay between environment and artistic vision, celebrated internationally for its bold aesthetic.
Movie on Amrita Shergill
Mira Nair's anticipated biopic promises to trace the path of Amrita Sher-Gil, the iconic Indian-Hungarian painter, across continents and eras. Set to feature a star-studded cast, the film intends to chronicle Sher-Gil’s evolution and lasting impact on modern Indian art, while delving into her cosmopolitan influences and personal mysteries.
Words Hansika Lohani
Date 3-12-2025