She lived as boldly as she painted. Born into a wealthy Polish family, she conquered Paris, made her mark in Hollywood and became an icon of modern art. Directed by Julie Rubio and narrated by Anjelica Huston, The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival explores the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of a pioneering Polish painter whose work continues to captivate audiences and collectors around the world.​

​

Her distinctive Art Deco paintings are coveted by collectors including Madonna, Barbra Streisand and Jack Nicholson, while her bold aesthetic continues to influence fashion, music, design and popular culture. With her works commanding millions at auction and her life inspiring a Broadway musical in 2024, Lempicka’s remarkable legacy is more alive than ever. 

Drawing on newly discovered archival material, including never-before-seen 8mm home movies, family interviews and the insights of art historians and curators, the documentary reveals a complex and visually rich portrait of the woman behind the iconic paintings. A refugee, a trailblazer and a master of self-invention, Lempicka challenged expectations surrounding women, sexuality, motherhood and artistic ambition.

Behind the glamour, the carefully crafted public image and the unmistakable paintings was a woman who repeatedly reinvented herself in order to survive — and to remain free. From her privileged beginnings in Warsaw and her rise to fame in the dazzling art world of 1920s Paris, to her escape from Europe in the shadow of fascism and her later life in the United States and Mexico, Lempicka’s journey unfolded against some of the most turbulent events of the 20th century. 

​​​​

​

"Groundbreaking… Visually stunning." 
— The Bay Area Reporter

“Visually stunning and sweeping feature documentary.” 
— The Hollywood Reporter  

“A captivating, empowering, well-edited and fascinating documentary.” 
— NYC Movie Guru 

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

​

JULIA RUBIO

​

An award-winning director, producer, writer, and actor known for dynamic storytelling. As president of Women in Film SF Bay Area, she champions women filmmakers. Rubio founded East Meets West Productions in 2002. Her film 'East Side Sushi' won accolades at 16 film festivals, with wide distribution via Samuel Goldwyn, HBO, Netflix, and more. Other notable works include 'Too Perfect', 'Impression', 'Del Cielo', and 'Everything Is Temporary'. Her latest film, 'The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival', continues to make waves at prestigious festivals worldwide.

​