Posted on 10/28/2007 12:50:13 PM PDT by wagglebee
Bella, an independent film staring Mexican superstar Eduardo Verástegui, is scheduled for limited release in theatres on October 26. The movie, an inspirational drama set in modern-day New York, has what America's been asking for but what Hollywood refuses to give.
Having won the People's Choice Award at last year's Toronto Film Festival, you'd think major Hollywood distribution companies would be crawling over one another for a crack at the film. But such is not the case. Bella's central theme puts a premium on the value of human life - including life in the womb - and that is a value Hollywood just won't tolerate.
Just as the Hollywood left scoffed at The Passion of the Christ, it has largely ignored the award winning Bella. The movie's life-affirming message just doesn't comport with Tinseltown's narrow leftist agenda.
But the folks at Roadside Attractions, a division of Lionsgate Entertainment, knew a good thing when they saw it and scooped up this moral masterpiece. Bella's creators are hoping to reach as many people as possible with the film's principal message: "True love goes beyond romance."
In Bella, Eduardo Verástegui stars as José, a once-famous professional soccer player who finds himself working as a cook in his brother's New York City restaurant following a tragic, career-ending accident that leaves him broke, haunted and utterly discontent.
But José soon learns that God can turn all things for good. Nina, a single waitress played by Tammy Blanchard is also down on her luck. She confides in José that she's discovered she's pregnant. As she is confronted with the choice between life and death for her little one, José is able to tap his own turbulent life experiences to offer Nina the wise counsel she so desperately needs.
Concerned Women for America (CWA) President Wendy Wright attended an advanced screening of the film. "Most movies follow a predictable story line," said Wright. "Bella, like real life, surprises you with a subtle yet profound story of exceptional grace."
And exceptional grace has also been one of the film's many positive byproducts. Although the movie has yet to be released, it's already moving hearts, changing minds and even saving lives. Co-writer and co-producer Leo Severino shared with CWA that he's aware of at least two instances where babies are alive today because of Bella's message of truth and love. In fact, by God's grace, the world has now been blessed with a real life Bella - a little girl named for the film - whose life was spared only hours before she was scheduled to die at the hands of an abortionist.
Yes, it's no wonder the Hollywood left wouldn't give Bella the time of day. The movie's timeless message is one they urgently wish to chill. It's a message not altogether unlike The Passion of the Christ, a message which reminds us all that the selfless sacrifice of one can mean the precious gift of life for another.
Our pastor talked about it from the pulpit. It was the lead story in our archioceson newspaper. The word will get out.
Sex, soccer, Mexican star, Spanish title.
Not things I want to see right now.
“but buy more than one ticket - a contribution to life!”
Or treat a friend(s) to the movies. :)
I saw it yesterday and it is so beautiful.It is well-made, funny at times and surprising.I recommend it.
When you leave the theater you will feel lifted and blessed.
Unfortunately its not showing anywhere near me. I hope it will come out on DVD eventually.
As usual, you miss the point.
No sex, only soccer flash-backs, Mexican star is gorgeous, look at the youtube video and tell me he isn’t. As for the Spanish, a mi, no me importa. Tienes una problema con espanol?
Look, here you see the hand of God.
Are they illegal aliens?
Yeah, Mexican people suck! And we ‘mericans shouldn’t have to know no ferrin words!/sarcasm
I think he means in the sense that it will be a surprise hit despite all the negative pre-publicity.
Not things I want to see right now
(Careful, your prejudice is showing.)
But seriously, hmmm - "Bella" is a "Spanish" title?
Italian: beautiful - BELLA
Spanish: " - Bello
Well, obviously the marketing isn’t doing it’s job. There is NO sex, Soccer is a very small part, the star is Mexican with an amazing reversion story, and the title isn’t Spanish.
How’s that?
No illegal aliens.
1. IMPORTANT NEWS...
By the way, Craig Scott came to our premiere in Miami and I just spoke with him on the phone. Craig is a good friend who was at Columbine the day of the massacre where he lost his sister and 2 best friends. As you may know, the massacre was inspired by a film that the two murderers watched over a hundred times, Natural Born Killers, which got rave reviews when it came out. These shooters referred to the day of the massacre as NBK Day and it inspired them to kill innocent children. This convinced me to stop complaining about the effect of the media on our world and instead to do something about it by making movies that inspire the good. Ironically, on the same weekend Bella won the Peoples Choice Award there was another senseless massacre by a young man who was inspired by the critically acclaimed Natural Born Killers.
And here we are today the day Bella is released a milestone in our mission. It is the weekend before Halloween when all the big horror films are released and it is our hope to be a light in the darkness. Today there is another film being released that critics are raving about - Before the devil knows your dead. This movie is about two men who kill their parents and critics are praising this film as a realistic portrayal of the human condition. Here are a few other reviews of this dark film:
- A triumphantly brisk, bleak B- movie from the critic at Lessons of Darkness.
- Family, and the core ideals that hold them in place, are blown to smithereens by the ravaged heart of Sidney Lumet's scalding new thriller. -Newsday
At the same time many critics are attacking Bella for its positive portrayal of life, family, friendship and love calling it un-realistic and cliché. This is a reminder for us that we must fight harder to represent the voice of the people whose realities are more accurately representing by stories of love than stories of murder suicides.
The media impacts our kids and we can impact the media if we vote at the box office. The divide between Hollywood and the Heartland is big and we need to send a signal to Hollywood that there is an audience for beautiful stories that celebrate the beauty of the human experience.
With your help we can ensure Bellas success in making a positive impact in peoples lives while also sending a signal to Hollywood that we want something more. In Hollywood everyone speaks the same language, box office, so please help us shatter the critics expectations by making sure this beautiful story reaches and transforms as many people as possible.
2. THE GOOD NEWS
As of now, Bella is 2nd in the box office, next to the horror film Saw. This is a result of people pre-purchasing tickets.
This is a miracle because Saw is in 4000 theaters with a $20M+ ad campaign and we are in less than 200 theaters. Saw has the big screens with 500-1000 seats and we have the smaller screens of 100-200 seats.
By the end of the weekend Saw will probably be the biggest revenue generator of all films released this weekend but Bella hopes to generate more revenue per screen to show Hollywood there is an audience for films like Bella. Eventually, with your help we hope to be on thousands of screens
but we cannot do it alone we need you.
Bella is Spanish for beautiful. The sexy star is Mexican.
That’s why I suspected this was a Catholic Church anchor baby story.
I watched the trailer and it is one I definitely want to see.
http://www.bellathemovie.com/site/#/film/videos/
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