Bella (2006 film)
| Bella | |
|---|---|
| File:Official Bella Poster - Eduardo & Tammy.jpg Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Alejandro Gomez Monteverde |
| Written by | Alejandro Gomez Monteverde Patrick Million Leo Severino |
| Produced by | Sean Wolfington Eduardo Verástegui Leo Severino Alejandro Gomez Monteverde Denise Pinckley |
| Starring | Eduardo Verástegui Tammy Blanchard Manny Perez Ali Landry |
| Cinematography | Andrew Cadelago |
| Edited by | Joseph Gutowski Fernando Villena |
| Distributed by | Lionsgate |
Release date | Oct 26th, 2007Nov 9th |
Running time | 91 minutes |
| Countries |  Mexico United States |
| Languages | English Spanish |
| Budget | $4,300,000 |
Bella is a 2006 film directed by Alejandro Gomez Monteverde starring Mexican actor Eduardo Verastegui and Tammy Blanchard. The film is about one day in New York City and its impact on three people's lives--Jose, a former soccer star; Nina, who is unexpectedly pregnant; and Nina's unborn child. The film took top prize at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival by winning the "People's Choice Award".
Production
Bella marks the feature directorial debut for Alejandro Gomez Monteverde, who co-wrote its original screenplay with Patrick Million. Bella features Manuel Perez, Angelica Aragon, Jaime Terelli and Ali Landry. The film was produced by Sean Wolfington, Eduardo Verastegui, Leo Severino, Alejandro Gomez Monteverde and Denise Pinckley and executive produced by J. Eustace Wolfington, Ana Wolfington and Stephen McEveety. It was financed by producers Sean Wolfington and Eustace Wolfington.
Stephen McEveety consulted on the script and signed on as an Executive Producer. Bella is McEveety's first release under his new company Mpower Pictures.
Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions acquired United States distribution rights to the film and are releasing the film on October 26th, 2007, according to The Hollywood Reporter.[1]
Plot summary
An international soccer star is on his way to sign a multi-million dollar contract when a series of events unfold that bring his career to an abrupt end. A beautiful waitress, struggling to make it in New York City, discovers something about herself that she's unprepared for. In one irreversible moment, their lives are turned upside down...until a simple gesture of kindness brings them both together, turning an ordinary day into an unforgettable experience.
Once a famous athlete, and now a cook at his brother's restaurant, Jose has retreated from the world. But he recognizes something in Nina, a young waitress, and reaches out to her. In the course of a single day, he not only confronts his own haunting past but shows her how the healing power of love can help her embrace the future.
Awards and honors
The Smithsonian Latino Center honored Eduardo Verástegui and Bella's filmmakers with their "Legacy Award" at a private screening in Miami hosted by Florida Governor Jeb Bush and his wife Columba.[2] "This movie depicts the culture but also transcends it," said Pilar O'Leary, exec director of the Smithsonian Institute's Latino Center. "It has universal appeal." [3]
The director of the Department of Citizenship gave the director of Bella, Alejandro Monteverde, the "American by Choice" award for Bella's positive contribution to Latino art and culture in the U.S.[4]
The Mexican Embassy honored Verastegui and Monteverde and gave Bella a screening at their annual Cinco De Mayo celebration.[3]
The film won the Grand Prize for Best Dramatic Feature at the 2007 Heartland Film Festival.[5]
"Bella" was awarded the "Tony Bennett Media Excellence Award" by Mr. Bennett.
Cast
- Eduardo Verástegui as Jose
- Tammy Blanchard as Nina
- Manny Perez as Manny
- Ali Landry as Celia
- Ramon Rodriguez as Eduardo
References
- ^ Gregg Goldstein (August 30, 2007). "Roadside takes Bella on US Trip; First Pickup after Lionsgate deal". TheHollywoodReporter.com. Retrieved 2007-09-21.
- ^ Aaron Glickman (March 13, 2007). "Smithsonian Honors Bella". SocialMiami.com. Retrieved 2007-10-11.
- ^ a b William Triplett (May 7, 2007). Buoyant 'Bella' bow. Variety. Retrieved on 2007-10-11.
- ^ Aaron Glickman (March 1, 2007). "Bella Producer Sean Wolfington". SocialMiami.com. Retrieved 2007-03-16.
- ^ "Heartland Film Festival Announces Top Winners". 2007-10-20. Retrieved 2007-10-23.
External links
- Bella at IMDb
- www.bellathemovie.com, the official Bella website
- Bella - an emotional love story