Friends,

Amy and I would like to call your attention to the movie Bella that opened October 26.

In February, Bethany Christian Services invited us to a private screening of the movie Bella. After vewing the film we were amazed to find out that this was the director's first attempt at making a movie--ever! And, then the lead actor stepped up on stage to tell us that Bella had just won the People's Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival as well as a number of other awards. Since then the movie has gone on to win many, many other awards.

This film will very likely be in the running for an Academy Award.

The director and lead actors are Christians (they also happen to be Mexicans). Their goal is to show forth a Christian perspective in stories presented on film. The director explained to us that "success" in Hollywood terms is determined largely by ticket sales on a movie's first two weekends. We would like to see this film be successful so this new little film company will be able to make more films that celebrate life.

National List of Theatres for Bella: http://bellathemovie.com/theater/. Grand Rapids, MI residents: If anyone is interested, group tickets can be purchased through Celebration Cinema in blocks of 50 for $6 each rather than the regular rate of $8 or more.

We highly recommend this movie to you!

Robert and Amy

Here is what people have to say:

Reuters
TORONTO (Reuters) - Bella, a romantic drama by Mexican director Alejandro Monteverde, was the surprise winner of the top award at the Toronto Film Festival on Saturday…. The prize is often an indicator of future Academy Award nominations, with past recipients including best picture winners American Beauty and Chariots of Fire. Last year’s winner, Tsotsi, won an Oscar for best foreign-language film. “I really hope that this is not a dream and that I don’t wake up at film school,” a visibly surprised Monteverde said at an awards ceremony. “This festival is my first festival, it’s my first film. It’s my first everything.”

Hollywood Reporter
TORONTO – A trio of Mexicans triumphed at the Toronto International Film Festival on Saturday when their U.S. independent drama Bella captured the People’s Choice Award, voted on by festival audiences…. “These Mexican guys go to America and beat the American independents at their game – it’s impressive,” Toronto festival co-director Noah Cowan said after an awards luncheon....Winning in Toronto can be the first step on the road to Oscar and Golden Globes success.

FOX News
I am very pleased that the Toronto Film Festival chose Bella to win their top audience award over the weekend…. It’s incredibly charming, with terrific performances by Tammy Blanchard and Mexican star Eduardo Verástegui and Manny Perez. It’s directed by Alejandro Gomez Monteverde. It’s too easy to say this is the My Big Fat Greek Wedding of this season because Bella is far more complex and sophisticated...