By Rosa Parra.

“Hola, Frida” is directed by André Kadi and Karine Vézina. The film follows young Frida throughout her childhood as she faces various challenges and obstacles, using creativity and imagination to overcome them.

This animated film serves as an excellent introduction for young audiences to the iconic Frida Kahlo. With its vibrant colors and the larger-than-life personality of young Frida, viewers get a glimpse of the remarkable person she would grow up to be—a defiant, resilient, and lively artist who expressed her pain brilliantly through her paintings. The film includes voice-over narration from an older Frida.

The story also emphasizes the importance of family and community, as Frida uses her imagination to cope with the real-life challenges she faces. At a young age, she must confront polio and its lasting effects, and having an overly protective and judgmental mother complicates her journey. I appreciated how the film handled the subject of death; the character “La Muerte” effectively portrays the various instances in which Frida’s life is at risk, introducing a sense of constant threat. Whenever that character appeared, a feeling of dread would take over. I also valued how Frida challenged social norms.

While I recognize that the film is aimed at a younger audience and will likely resonate with them, I have concerns about its inauthentic depiction of culture. Although the story is set in Mexico, much of the dialogue is in English. At times, it reminded me of “Dora the Explorer,” but ultimately felt more like “Emilia Perez,” a film about Mexico created by non-Mexicans. It often conveys a perspective that reflects how outsiders view Latinos, leading to a significant lack of authenticity.

When depicting a person whose influence is still felt today, I believe it’s crucial to conduct thorough research into their cultural background. I’m not saying that non-Latinos shouldn’t tell Latino stories—consider “Coco,” a film about Mexico created with extensive research that became one of the country’s highest-grossing films in history. Although the intention behind “Hola, Frida” may have been noble, it comes across as lazy and stereotypical.

Overall, “Hola, Frida” is a visually appealing introduction to Frida Kahlo, but its cultural representation misses the mark. 

Rating: 6/10.