Slovak premiere

At 93, Kim Novak remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring enigmas – a luminous star who walked away from fame at its height in search of authenticity and self-realization. Once the biggest box-office star in the world, she defied the studio system and the confines of celebrity culture, choosing individuality over image and art over illusion. The documentary Kim Novak’s Vertigo is a lyrical and intimate portrait that weaves together rare archival footage with deeply personal reflections and glimpses into Novak’s secluded life. While Vertigo remains her most iconic role, the documentary explores how that very performance – and the duality it embodies – mirrors the lasting tension between public image and personal identity that shaped her life. As Novak revisits fragments of her past, a deeper story gradually emerges: one of resistance, rediscovery, and the quiet strength of a woman who gave up fame in order to remain true to herself.

Director Alexandre O. Philippe previously presented his documentary Chain Reactions (2024) at Art Film Fest on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

Sales: Dodwoof