Cinema’Im family, the world would never know him, ‘says documentary director about Andy Warhol

Andy Warholone of the most beloved and hated artists of the twentieth century, cultural icon and central figure in numerous controversies, is presented from an unprecedented perspective in the documentary Andy Warhol – An American Dreamfrom the Slovak filmmaker NUBOMÍR JÁN SLIVKAwhich arrives in Brazilian theaters this Thursday, June 19, with distribution of the Copyright Filmes.

The documentary reveals the boy Andrij, son of Rutenos immigrants, deeply linked to family and faith. In an exclusive interview with Rolling Stone Brazilthe director says that the work was born from the desire to reveal an almost erased part of the biography of Warhol: its Slovak origins. “Andy’s famous phrase, ‘I come from anywhere’, was the starting point for our documentary”, Explains Slivka. Check out the full interview:

The forgotten roots of a pop genius

The idea of ​​the film came from the need to shed light on the story that Warholoften silenced. The artist’s parents were born in Miková, a small village in the east of present -day Slovakia. The family Warhol (or Warhola) was part of the Rutenian minority, and although Andy and her brothers were born in Pittsburgh, her cultural heritage remained present.

During the communist regime, pop art was excluded from university curricula because it is considered “too western“. For Slivkait was time to tell this part of the story. The team traveled among the continents and met several family members Warhol: cousins, nephews, second and third generations descendants.

All were extremely receptive and kind. It is really a loving family, full of artistic talents, from painting to music, and with a great sense of humor. ”

An artist and the myth he created

The documentary proposes a portrait that confronts the public image of Warhol with the man who existed behind the scenes. “We wanted to look deeper, investigate their origins. We discovered a beautiful story about selfless parents and a sick son who grew up to become a worldwide phenomenon”, Reveals Slivka.

Instead of scandals, what emerges is the story of a humble, working and dedicated family who has resumed life in a US immigrant ghetto. The phrase “I want to be a machine”, Dictated by Warholit is contrasted with moments of extreme humanity captured in the film: the pain for the death of the father in childhood, the loss of mother and not mechanized emotional reactions. “These scenes show deep human emotions, no machine there”, Slivka.

Faith, silence and the invisible side

While many films focus on Factory, celebrities and excesses, the documentary bets on a more silent, intimate narrative, focused on faith, family and roots. To ensure the emotional and respectful tone, production maintained a lean team and created a welcoming environment during the interviews, which helped family members open with freedom.

Many of these voices had never been publicly heard. “We felt he deserved it. And we think no one better than filmmakers in his family country to tell this story. They felt among solidarity friends and a welcoming family“, account Slivka.

The absences and strength of the mother

Warhol It was known for his vague answers, almost in code, when asked about his personal life. To SlivkaThis revealed a compartmentalization strategy: the artist knew how to separate his public figure from private life.

The documentary tries to fill these gaps, highlighting, for example, the weight of their religiosity and the strong maternal presence. “What marked us most was his modesty. Even after accumulating fortune, Andy was never to sport”, Reveals Slivka.

The mother of Warhol, Julia Warholaappears as a central figure, both affective and creative. Slivka believes that if I could watch the documentary, Warhol Perhaps it would suggest adjustments, but would be pleased with the tribute paid to the matriarch. “He was very protective with her. We felt we did justice by showing how much she meant to him.”

A WARHOL finally seen?

The moment exhibitions worldwide, as the current show show in São Paulo, continue to celebrate the work of Warholthe documentary comes to remember that the artist did not come out of nowhere. He came from a place, from a faith, from a family.

Without the right care, without the guidance and support of the family, the world would never have known Andy Warhol. ”

Also read:The 50 best One-Hit Wonders of the 2000s, according to Rolling Stone

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