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I'm one of those people who has known about Frida Kahlo since the time I played hopscotch. The memory of the painting 'Las Dos Fridas' (The Two Fridas) is seared into my mind. Looking at the painting in Mexico City as a child in awe and with a little bit of horror as well. Frida was born in 1907 in the Mexico City neighborhood of Coyoacán. When she was just 21 years old she wooed the famous, and then infamous, Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. They lived in a post'revolutionary Mexico, embracing the ideas of communism and avant-garde art. Since then Frida has become an international symbol, her haunting self portraits of her face and one long eyebrow that looks like a bird in flight. Latino USA's Mandalit del Barco wrote and produced and NPR radio documentary in 1991 on the life and legacy of the woman known simply as Frida. Here's an excerpt from 'Frida Kahlo: No me olvides' (Frida Kahlo Don't Forget Me.)

Hayden Herrera wrote the book 'Frida', a biography of Frida Kahlo, nearly 20 years ago. The book opens with the wonderfully modern hip art scene that has happening in Mexico City in the 1930s. The book was more than just about Frida and Diego; it was about art created in a unique moment of history. Herrera is often credited with bringing Frida to mainstream U.S. audiences. Director Julie Taymor and actress Salma Hayek consulted Herrera's biography religiously throughout the shooting of the film. Joining us from our New York studio is Hayden Herrera.

When Frida Kahlo came to New York City in the 1930s she wore her colorful Tehuana dress and rings on every finger, and she got high society talking. At the time Diego Rivera was painting for the Rockefellers and Frida landed on the cover of Vogue. Fast forward and now its Mexican actor, producer Salma Hayek who's hot, and like Frida Kahlo, Hayek is changing the image of the Mexican woman. Joining us to discus the journey of the film 'Frida', from our New York studios is Salma Hayek.

You look at Lila Downs and her face says I'm a Zapotec Indian. In dress, style, and look Lila could even pass for Frida Kahlo's daughter. She was born in Mexico, raised in Minnesota, and now performs in the film 'Frida.' Academy Award nominated composer Elliot Goldenthal chose Lila Downs to collaborate with him on the soundtrack for the film 'Frida'. Joining us from her home in Mexico City is Lila Downs and in New York music composer Elliot Goldenthal.