“Cartas De Amor”
A Film By Naima Mora
In Production
“Cartas De Amor”
"Cartas De Amor" is the first feature-length documentary film by NMP, with Naima serving as both subject and director. Following her intimate journey through recovery and the most challenging season of her life, she reveals pieces of herself never shared before to unmask the transformative powers of ancestral connection. Desperate to reimagine herself and break free from the shame and isolation of a twenty-year hidden battle with substance abuse, she embarks on a journey to discover how her grandmother saw her.
Beckoned by a dream of her grandmother calling her home—world-renowned political artist and exile Elizabeth Catlett—Naima journeys to Mexico where she discovers a magical box of love letters from the 1940s that unearth pieces of Catlett's story never told to the public. Naima comes to understand the woman she calls her grandmother is more unknown to her than when she started her journey and that she must fill in the missing pieces that bind them together.
Led by dreams, visions, and whispers from her grandmother's revolutionary art, Naima begins a conversation with Elizabeth that transcends time and space—one that only she can have with her grandmother. Through never-before-captured footage and archival material, the film reveals parts of both women that have remained hidden. Both world-recognized and acclaimed, yet both navigating the sacrifice it takes to keep their unseen parts concealed in order to be seen.
In this conversation where the metaphysical comes to life, Naima steps into an awareness of her own power and the grand design her grandmother tasked her with decades before—one she has been unable to receive until now. With support from major institutions including The Art Institute of Chicago, National Gallery of Art, Amistad Research Center and El Museo De La Estampa in Mexico City, this documentary captures a legacy unfolding in real time.
Research
As part of the on going research for the production of “Cartas De Amor”, Naima had the opportunity to work collaboratively with National Gallery Of Art and fine artist, printmaker and painter LaToya Hobbs on the “Like A Great” documentary series. Separate from our NMP film production, this collaboration lends itself to the journey Naima has personally dedicated herself to in carrying her grandmother’s legacy.
The conversation continues on October 11, 2025 at The Art Institute of Chicago, “Artist Conversation: LaToya Hobbs and Naima Mora on Elizabeth Catlett.” Naima and artist LaToya Hobbs will this time be in conversation with each other live for the attending public in Chicago. Moderated by Loren Wright, Assistant Director of Interpretation at the Art Institute, the conversation will reflect on the personal, creative, and spiritual resonances of Catlett’s legacy—and on why Elizabeth Catlett is, as Hobbs and Mora say, “Everybody’s grandmother.”
Please click on the link to find out more and register for the event.
This conversation is proudly presented as a New Paradigms program by the Leadership Advisory Committee, which supports the museum’s engagement with African American audiences. New Paradigms programs celebrate early-to-mid-career Black artists and thinkers who are impacting the field.
Part of the making of this film includes the research of and incorporating segments of original audio and visual recordings of Elizabeth Catlett. Resources included The Amistad Research Center, the Library Of Congress, L&S Video documentaries and collected stories from people who knew her well and were closest to her.
About Naima
& Her Vision
“I want to give magic back to my people!”
- Naima Mora
Naima Mora isn't just a name; she's a brand synonymous with artistic versatility and global influence. A master of multiple crafts—modeling, acting, writing, and public speaking—Naima sets the gold standard for what it means to be a multi-disciplinary artist.
Her journey began with classical ballet at the prestigious Dance Theater of Harlem while honing her English skills at City College of New York. In 2005, she caught the eye of supermodel Tyra Banks and skyrocketed to fame by winning "America's Next Top Model." This victory instantly made her the face of CoverGirl Cosmetics, launching her onto international runways and into high-profile magazines like Elle and Vogue Italia.
But Naima's influence extends far beyond camera facing. As a sought-after public speaker, she graces platforms at elite educational institutions, delivering captivating talks that range from personal empowerment to the transformative power of Buddhist theology and diverse spiritual foundations—a testament to her intellectual depth. Her book, "Model Behavior," has toured universities nationwide as a life-changing experience, backed by reputable sponsors like Harvey Nichols and L'Oréal.
Beyond her speaking engagements, Naima is a passionate advocate for global causes, supporting organizations like Hospicio San Jose Guatemala to help HIV-diagnosed orphans and promoting women's empowerment through initiatives like Runway 4 Peace. Expanding her creative horizons, Mora stepped into the world of storytelling when she penned and starred in her off-Broadway play "The Amazing Adventures Of A Woman In Need," receiving rave reviews that led to a co-starring role in one of BET Network's hit shows.
Her impressive accolades include The Spirit of Detroit Award, The California Legislature Assembly Certificate of Recognition, and the Key to the City of Cincinnati—recognition for her tireless efforts toward improving the quality of human life. Most recently, Naima launched her production company, Naima Mora Productions, with the aim of providing a platform and opportunity for invisible voices and untold stories to be heard and seen.
Naima Mora is more than a multi-faceted artist; she's a force of inspiration, proving that one person can indeed wear many hats—and wear them exceptionally well.
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you. If you are interested in our work or current production please fill out the contact form telling us a little more.