Margy Kinmonth’s feature documentary shines a light on the trailblazing role of women war artists, on the front lines round the world, championing the female perspective on conflict through art and asking: when it’s life or death, what do women see that men don’t? Traditionally a male domain, war art by women has been largely unrecognised. Until now…
Culture breaks the taboo, crosses borders – tells the truth to power. Artists featured include Zhanna Kadyrova, Linda Kitson, Shirin Neshat, Rachel Reckitt, Dame Laura Knight, Lee Miller, Nina Berman, Marcelle Hanselaar, Jananne Al-Ani, Assil Diab, Doris Zinkeisen, Fiona Banner aka The Vanity Press, Maggi Hambling, Cornelia Parker, Dame Rachel Whiteread, Maya Lin, and including the work of Anne Desmet R.A., Samar Hussaini, and featuring Dame Penelope Lively, Charlotte Johnstone and Ami Bouhassane.
A female cast of contributors and crew makes this film a unique undertaking – telling vital truths in turbulent times.
UK-Ireland distribution: Conic Films
War Paint gives long-overdue recognition to women war artists, revealing a perspective on conflict that has traditionally been overlooked.
Baroness Helic, House of Lords, 2025
In the film, women are not just shown, they are truly seen—as active participants shaping and narrating the history and experience of war through their art.
They are not passive objects amid chaos and brutality, but active observers and translators of war’s emotions and consequences.
Their work goes beyond documenting war; it challenges, provokes, and, I hope, also heals.
