This is a wonderful short film that on the surface provides a brief illustrative glimpse into the life of an artist, but my favorite facet of it is the composition that captures living people (and an animal) in artistically constructed/crafted/accumulated spaces - where there is art in the spaces, but the spaces are also art, and the art is part of what the person is communicating to you, but also there's a barrier between the art and the living person. There are still images that seem alive and living images that seem still, and lots of frames that would themselves be worthwhile photographs for deeper consideration. For enthusiasts of the art scene or of the past/present mirror that New York City tends toward in various descriptions, there might be an historical focus that's particularly interesting - this piece has enough inspiration in it and enough attention to detail that it can appeal to people for a variety of reasons. Recommended.

I first saw Hilda's story as part of the film "Double Portrait," paried with another New York artist, Arnold Wechsler. The depth of her experience working as a painter in a very different time and a very different city is very moving - particularly the camaraderie and grace she found in her relationships with other (quite noteworthy) artists. The ephemeral nature of art, love, and DREAMS is expressed sublimely. Beautiful score, gorgeous cinematography, tight editing with some ethereal surprises, and a compassionate eye from director Benzing.

Benzing has produced and directed an amazing documentary telling Hilda's story. One meets this incredible woman in an intimate discussion
of her work: one sees her at home, outside in the neighborhood, her friends speak as the story shifts from the youthful Hilda to the present day artist she is. Benzing time travels in a creative way with images of Hilda's past floating by her as she sits outside. The light, color, sounds and the youthful versions of Hilda and her friend, Arnold, is a beautiful trip through life.

The film captures the depth of relationships that color a rich artistic history: relationships with lovers, friends and the city as life moves and brings the changes that create art and personal experience. As in Hilda’s art, life requires that we recognize the perfect even knowing we-or time-may eventually tear it out of the picture. The tensions between creation, change and destruction are regarded whistfully but positively by this short, inspiring film.

An amazing window into this extraordinary woman's life. Absolutely engaging treatment of the interviews and the telling of Hilda's life. I want to meet her! It is a must see.

I was moved by this lyrical recollection of a woman painter in the heart of 1950s NYC art scene. Evocative dream imagery and beautiful use of New York City.

Kiira, the director and producer of the documentary "Hilda" is a virtual maestra. Her keen eye in portraying this talented artist, Hilda, amongst her 1950's fellow male Abstractionist artists, deKooning and Resnick, demonstrates how fashion-forward she was for her time. The "dream-Hilda", her muse, is a clever invention, as well. This documentary is a fascinating portrait of a fascinating artist.

Charming study of a relatively-unknown artist, who's seen it all in NYC over the years. A great way to spend ten minutes!