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aussieannie
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| Posted: May 16 2007 at 2:28am | IP Logged
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I have just been sent this email about a movie called Bella a pro-life movie that needs supporting, here is the context of the email:
"Dear Colleague,
Director Alejandro Monteverde's new film, Bella is a movie that is going to be much talked about in pro-life, pro-family circles. This film has swept even the secular film world off its feet. Major producers however, are still hesitant to support anything that is not "mainstream." Please do what you can to promote this film and its pro-life message.
Steven W. Mosher
Bella: Almost too Good to Be True
by Colin Mason
"If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans." This line, spoken by Mexican actor Eduardo Verstegui, opens the movie Bella, one of the most phenomenal films I have ever had the privilege to experience. The film is touring colleges right now to work up interest in its theatrical run, and I was able to screen it with about 200 students from Christendom College. The experience was deeply rewarding to me, not only as a long-time film buff, but as a pro-life Catholic as well.
Back in August 2006, I was attended a private screening the film's rough cut, and even then was floored by its grace, beauty, and simple depth. Apparently the audiences at the Toronto Film Festival were, too.
In September 2006, that same unfinished cut moved audiences of every political and religious persuasion, and went on to win Toronto's coveted People's Choice Award. To give an example of what an accomplishment this is, two of the many other films premiering at this festival were Babel and The Last King of Scotland, both of which were highly acclaimed works that went on to win Oscars. Thus, to see the film's vastly improved final cut at Christendom College was an experience to remember.
Bella tells the story of a young single waitress in New York City who becomes pregnant, loses her job, and struggles with the decision of whether or not to keep her child. In the meantime, she encounters a mysteriously compassionate Latino chef, who has suffered a tragedy in his past, and is perhaps the only person in her life who really cares about her. During the course of the film, a decision is reached that will change both of their lives.
Bella is not only an artistic triumph, but a moral and spiritual one as well. Metanoia films, the small production company responsible for the movie, states its mission as "to use film to make a positive difference in the culture and in peoples' lives." The film contains none of the titillative sensuality or violence of many of its cinematic counterparts. There is no blasphemy. It depicts the family: intact, loving, and responsible, and contrasts it with the empty loneliness of individualism and promiscuity. And it depicts abortion for the frightening, devastating, futile choice that it actually is.
How did a film like this do so well in Toronto? How did a crowd of some of the world's most left-leaning elitists vote it the winner of the People's Choice Award?
It would be an insult to the artistic integrity of Bella to call it a film with an agenda. The movie refuses to put forward any of the tiresome socio-political mores that plague so many "serious" films today. Simply put, there is nothing to argue with in Bella. Without pontificating or moralizing, the movie is artistically direct, viscerally powerful, and steadfastly pro-life. There is no pretentious posturing, no hyper-aware political overtones. It's just simple, and powerful, stirring basic emotions that are fundamental to the human experience. So fundamental, in fact, that audiences of all political persuasions have fallen for the film.
In the words of producer Leo Severino: "You can't argue with life." At the end of the day, there is no argument to be made against the image of the child, the idea of the tiny human being growing within a mother's body. Life is universal, no matter how many people try to reduce it to a science or a math formula. The film capitalizes on that fact, and gracefully but directly pulls us toward the inevitable truth.
But Bella needs help. American theater companies have only agreed to carry the film in a limited distribution, and only as far east as the Midwest. If they can raise enough interest in other places, interest to the point where seats in theaters are sold out, Bella can reach a much wider distribution. Similar to The Passion of The Christ before it, whether or not the film will go to more theaters will all depend upon how well it does, and how much interest there is.
Call Metanoia films. E-mail them. Let them know how important this film is to you. Organize church groups and youth groups, and get families to go see the film and promote it to their friends. Interest and excitement about this movie is key. If the response is mediocre, theaters will drop Bella quickly, before it has really had the chance to shine. It is up to us not to let that happen.
Metanoia films can be reached by phone at (310) 500-5097, or email at contact@metanoiafilms.com
Colin Mason is the Media Director at PRI."
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Mary G
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| Posted: May 16 2007 at 7:46am | IP Logged
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Bella is coming out in August here in the States ... I've heard RAVE reviews from some folks who got to see a preview ... can't wait as it really does sound like a sensational movie!
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JennGM
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| Posted: May 16 2007 at 8:49am | IP Logged
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I received the same forwarded message, Annie. Dh and I were talking about this.
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Matilda
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Wow. Wow. WOW!
You can view the trailer here.
Mary,
Where did you see a release date? Is it going to limited release?
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Mary G
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| Posted: May 16 2007 at 9:07am | IP Logged
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Matilda wrote:
Mary,
Where did you see a release date? Is it going to limited release? |
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I didn't see a release date, that's what they told the folks who saw the preview. The folks that saw the preview also saw a video with the folks who made the movie and their background -- active or revert Catholics all! Their stories would make a fantastic movie too....
If I hear anymore I'll post.
Another great movie that's limited release around here anyway, is Into Great Silence which dh and I will try to see this weekend ... now, that sounds like a fabulous movie too!
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MaryG
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teachingmom
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| Posted: May 16 2007 at 6:12pm | IP Logged
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My husband saw it and said it is wonderful! (Friends of his were working on promoting it a bit.) I was supposed to get an invite to a preview but didn't feel right bringing a nursing baby in case she made noise. I'll have to wait until it's released in theaters. From what dh said, it's a movie we all would love.
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Erica Sanchez
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| Posted: Oct 15 2007 at 7:17pm | IP Logged
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Bumping this up....
I just spent an hour at the website shedding tears just watching the trailer and reading articles and such!! It looks excellent! Here is the link to the website again:
Bella
It opens here in San Diego on October 26. We already have tickets! :) I think it is opening in many cities in the next few weeks.
God bless!
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Mary G
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Seems like Denver WILL get the movie! My dh's school is creating a list for folks to go ... so far, it's booked into 3! theaters in the 'burbs (Westminster, Lakewood and Highlands Ranch for all you Denver folks!) so that's amazing!!!!!
Can't wait!
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Angie Mc
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Thanks so much, Erica. I'm not sure how, but our parish had a viewing of Bella last Monday. My dd was the only one from our family who could attend and she loved it. She is already talking about seeing it again in the theatre and bringing friends.
Love,
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LLMom
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Anyone know why it is rated pg-13?
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Erica Sanchez
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Lisa,
I checked the site again and at the beginning of the trailer it gives the rating and says it is due to 'thematic elements' and 'brief disturbing images'. I believe my friend, who has already seen it, said something about a car crash. And, to the best of my knowledge, the movie is about abortion with a very strong pro-life message. This same friend is going to take his 10 year old son to see it. I told my older girls we would see it first and if appropriate we would take them to the theater to see it. We barely allow them to watch PG-rated movies, so we may have to buy the DVD and wait a few years (which I already told my own too-young-to-see-it little Bella we would already do). :)
Without giving away too much of the plot, can anyone else who has already seen it tell us more?
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Paula in MN
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Haven't seen it yet, but there is a good interview with actor Eduardo Verstegui in the current issue of Faith and Family.
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Angie Mc
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My 15yo says that it is PG13 because it is intense, to include a very intense flashback scene. She wouldn't recommend it for anyone under 12 and suggests parents screen it, keeping in mind their particular child's sensitivity level.
Love,
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teachingmom
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Erica Sanchez wrote:
| Without giving away too much of the plot, can anyone else who has already seen it tell us more? |
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I emailed my husband with your question, Erica, and he wrote back:
"I would not bring a 10 year old. I think 14 would be the minimum age. They’ll need to know there is such a thing as out of wedlock births and one particular incident is very very disturbing."
That scene sounds like what Angie's daughter was referring to. I think the age limit (12 or 14 or some other number) would depend on the particular child (and his or her knowledge and sensitivities)and the discernment of the parents. At this point, our 11 and 13 year old won't be seeing it. I suppose that could change, and of course, I haven't seen the movie yet. But really look forward to doing so!!!
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stacykay
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Our homeschool group is organizing a mom's night out to see this movie. Some of the moms are also planning on a mother/teenage daughter outing, too.
I am hoping dh will take me!
God Bless,
Stacy in MI
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Cay Gibson
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Be sure and check out the Nov./Dec. '07 issue of Faith and Family . The star of Bella is featured.
As pro-life chaircouple for our parish, my husband and I received an invitation to come watch a free viewing of the movie. I have no idea when the diocese is showing it and I can't find my invitation. Rats! 
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So glad you posted this! We missed the free screening near us as we were out of town. I too saw the ratings and the "brief disturbing images" so wasn't sure we wanted to see it -- I'm glad Devin saw it Angie. We'll be putting it on our watch list.
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CAgirl4God
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this movie sounds amazing....
if someone (adult) has a sensitivity to abortions issues...would you recommend them seeingit in the theater? maybe at home.... to intense?
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Mary G
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We just went to this last night ... I just finished a blog post ... and believe me, whatever you have to do to go see this movie, go see it .... Jamie, if someone is sensitive to abortion issues, have them go see it and bring tissue -- lots of folks were boohooing last night and no one minded one bit. The abortion issue is there but not "in your face" .... it's more about living joyfully and accepting what happens and then still living joyfully.
This is one of those movies where everyone will take something different home but it's got such a strong LIFE is FOR LIVING and JOY message that it really does need to get the audiences it should.
I'm hoping Metanoia films does more of this type of movie ...
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teamgriswold
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Mary G wrote:
I'm hoping Metanoia films does more of this type of movie ... |
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Amen! Two friends and parishoners from our parish are executive producers/financiers of the film, the only way for them to continue to make films like this one is for EVERYONE who can possibly go see it to go and bring more people with them!!! We went to a screening earlier this week with the actors & producers. They are all such amazing people! They are really genuine and believe in the importance of good holy family life! They really are a light in the darkness, particularly Eduardo, Leo and Alejandro the main actor and directors. The three of them have refused to do and main stream Hollywood jobs that come their way, therefore they don't get too many jobs.
Anyway, please go see it if you can, it is well worth it on a multitude of levels! 
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: Bella - a movie that needs supporting
