Cast students in the role of filmmakers pitching the idea of a Frida Kahlo movie to a studio. The would-be producers will need to offer a stand-up summary of Kahlo’s life and explain the impact of her art on the society of her era, using examples of her art. Other students, portraying studio executives, will challenge the producers with questions like, “How will you make this movie interesting to people who don’t like art?” and “What about the controversial elements of Frida’s life?,” including her battle with drug and alcohol abuse. Such questions and answers can promote strategic thinking among the students while they learn more about Frida Kahlo.
Create a press conference to announce the release of “Frida.” Cast students in the roles of the screenwriter, star, producer and director. Other students will be the reporters. The filmmakers will prepare talking points aimed at enlightening the audience about Kahlo’s life and art. Have some reporters or reviewers present laudatory reviews; have others pan the film. Use this activity to encourage critical thinking and language skills.
Students with an artistic bent can create “Frida” movie posters or an audio or video commercial for the film. Ask them to emulate Kahlo’s vivid autobiographical approach. Groups of students can create self-portraits in the Kahlo style; they can create a video montage of the posters to use in a commercial. Add period music to create the mood. This exercise supports differentiated learning and media skills.
After watching the movie, students can take the roles of Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Leon Trotsky, Nelson Rockefeller and other prominent figures from the film. Before their interaction, these students will research their subjects. Suggest a topic — such as poverty in the United States and Mexico during the Great Depression — and have the historical figures give their perspectives. This activity fosters creative thinking and problem solving.