JIFF: The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival

The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival

“Groundbreaking… Visually stunning.” – The Bay Area Reporter

“Essential viewing for anyone who cares about art.” – The Contending

Australian Premiere

This sweeping documentary tells the remarkable story of Polish artist Tamara de Lempicka, best known for her Art Deco paintings of sensual nudes and elegant portraits of high society in 1920s Paris. A Jewish refugee and a bisexual woman, she was marginalised in more ways than one and gained notoriety for having romantic liaisons with her models – both men and women. Still, her work endures and some of her most notable collectors today include Madonna (who featured her paintings in several music videos) and Barbra Streisand.

Using groundbreaking newly discovered birth and baptism certificates, and never-before-seen 8mm home movies, this fascinating documentary reveals previously hidden parts of Tamara de Lempicka’s history, considering her work through the lens of her Jewish heritage. Narrated by Anjelica Huston, this is an enthralling celebration of a singular artist, who demonstrated fierce resilience in the face of antisemitism and other prejudices.

Rating

Unclassified 15+

Duration

96 min

Country

United States

Language

English

Cast

Victoria De Lempicka, Anjelica Huston, Eden Espinosa

Director

Julie Rubio