Director's Statement
When I was 21 years old, I found myself standing in a hotel in Miami, captivated by the vibrant, sensual paintings of Tamara de Lempicka. Her art, with its bold lines and striking figures, spoke to me in a way that was both profound and deeply personal. I soon learned that Tamara's art was influenced by her relationships with both men and women. This revelation struck a chord within me. As I explored Tamara's life further, I discovered her bisexuality and, in doing so, recognized the same truth within myself.
It was a moment of clarity and self-acceptance, highlighting the importance of representation. Years later, I was invited to a small exhibition and met Tamara de Lempicka's family, with the possibility of writing a narrative screenplay about her life. My inspiration to direct this film grew after discovering the journey of a resilient and brilliant woman through her family, social media fans, art historians, and decades of research. Tamara's story remains profoundly relevant today, resonating amidst ongoing challenges faced by minority groups worldwide. The film highlights that an attack on art and artists is an important - and dangerous - warning sign for other freedoms that we hold so dear. As a bisexual Latina and an independent filmmaker, I relate to being marginalized and being afraid to tell people about my background. After unveiling groundbreaking documents and learning her true story, I was convinced I had to share it with the world.
Growing up in Los Angeles, I always knew I wanted to be a filmmaker. Filmmaking gave me a voice and a platform to be heard. In the troubling times of the pandemic, I channeled my pain into creating something beautiful that offers hope: the story of Tamara de Lempicka. With over 19 years of dedication, my team and I created "The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival." The film illuminates her artistic triumphs and life as a bisexual, Jewish woman challenging early 20th-century norms. These narratives come alive through interviews with her relatives, art historians, collectors, international reporters, Hollywood and Broadway stars, and her personal studio assistant. We use voiceovers, animation techniques, archival footage, and her previously unseen paintings, incorporating motion, music, and sound transitions underscored by original music. Barbra Streisand granted access to her priceless private collection and guided me through her section of the film, while Anjelica Huston lent her narration and recounted fascinating stories. I am forever grateful for these two brilliant filmmakers taking the time to support an independent film.
Our film shows how Tamara’s unique painting style, craftsmanship, and business acumen were often overlooked and marginalized by art critics. I hope viewers will see Tamara capturing a new woman, a new man, and a new society. Her legacy is experiencing a revival with the Broadway show "Lempicka" starring Tony-nominated Eden Espinosa and a 2024 retrospective at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, where our film, "The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival," will screen. My hope is that our film ensures Tamara’s legacy lives on and that her story helps others find strength and thrive.
This project is deeply personal to me and serves as a tribute to my late mother and best friend who recently passed away. I am grateful for my passionate team who I could not have made this film without. We feel blessed to premiere our film at The Mill Valley Film Festival, with its esteemed history and dedication to showcasing innovative and compelling stories.