Picasso: A Rebel in Paris unveils a new interpretation of one of the most amazing artists of the 20th century. The film features Mina Kavani, the lead actress in No Bears by Jafar Panahi, which won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival in 2022.

This documentary delves into the contradictory nature of Picasso’s character, exploring his generosity and despotism, his sunshine and shadows, often hidden behind a mask. It addresses a compelling debate: can you separate the artist from the man? Against the backdrop of the paradoxical Paris of his era—a city teeming with contradictions, tolerance, and xenophobia—the film portrays the dual nature of Picasso’s character.

The documentary unveils little-known aspects of the painter, including his status as an “alien” in Paris, his role as an anarchist among anarchists in Montmartre and finally his “queer” gaze on his own work.

Accompanied by readings from letters housed at the Picasso Museum and various books, the film features interviews with art critics, curators, intellectuals, and artists. Together, they offer a unique perspective on Picasso’s complex mind.