Nevada Women's Film Festival 2020 – Dear Bella
Bella accidentally discovers her mother is mysteriously ill and moved into an isolated bedroom. Through her innocent attempts to rebuild the relationship, they become pen pals. As the separation begins to take a toll on their relationship, Bella is left no choice but to confront the harsh realities of life.
Interview with Writer/Director/Editor Zaira B Aguilar
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I wanted to use this opportunity to share my personal story. Dear Bella served as a visual representation of a very traumatic time in my life that I had never spoken about, until today. It is a story that many people can relate too and perhaps heal from.
I was seven years old when my mother had her first battle with cancer. My parents’ shielded me from any knowledge of my mother's cancer in an attempt to preserve my innocence. However, that did more harm than good. This film became the bridge of healing from that scary time in my life and a visual representation of love and forgiveness towards my parents.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
The most powerful stories are told from personal accounts and I feel like they are the most relatable. I wanted to show my raw truth; the pain, the anger, my moments of solitude and the transcendence of love between my mother and I.
I wanted to tell her story through the eyes of an innocent child and how such trauma can affect a child’s life, as it did with mine.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I wanted to highlight the lack of representation of mother-daughter relationships in cinema and be a voice for the many children and families affected by cancer. I hope that my film can not only open up conversations within families and friends but also tackle some taboos surrounding cancer.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I had originally written the film as a silent film and having the film score be Bella's voice. I wanted to visually show her solitude so initially, her parents didn't have lines and I was only going to show glimpses of her parents' body parts.
I realised when I was editing the film Bella's world seemed too quiet. Like it was missing something huge. When I began to create the sound design it slowly evolved to me creating this whole world going on in the background. Mostly her father cooking, talking on the phone, walking around the house, talking to her, or her mother's ECG machine sound (which was also embedded in the music) etc. It evolved to everyone having a line in the film but Bella because I felt that would be the best way to emotionally connect her with the audience.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
It is a very emotional film and it has made many people cry but the feedback has been very positive. I have had people thank me for making the film because they connected with it on a personal level. I really did enjoy hearing and starting conversations about how cancer had affected them and their relationships with their loved ones.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Yes, most definitely. It has shown me that film making can be used as a very powerful tool to reach an audience and start different types of conversations.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I'm looking to make my film more visible to a larger audience in hopes that others can heal from their past traumas and know that they are not alone. To be able to start a conversation about the taboos that surround cancer and how it affects a family.
I want to inspire other women and young-girl filmmakers to tell their stories and create more films. To find their place in the film industry and stand tall and proud of their work and accomplishments. I was one of 16 students admitted into my university's prestigious thesis program, out of those 16 I was 1 of the 3 females. Believe me, I fought to keep my story every step of the way even when my peers doubted me. I was the only one to receive the university's recognition for the prestigious Robin Eickman Cinema Student Scholarship.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Film festival directors and journalists.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I want my film to spread awareness, a form of healing, and or a space to start a conversation.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Has an illness ever affected you and/or those close to you on a personal level? If so how did it affect the relationship?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Editing is my passion so currently, I'm working full-time as an editorial editor & I/O at a VFX studio. On my free time, I'm currently editing a short film for a friend of mine. I'm also in the process of developing a new script, which will be another personal story.
Interview: June 2020
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Dear Bella
Bella accidentally discovers her mother is mysteriously ill and moved into an isolated bedroom. Through her innocent attempts to rebuild the relationship, they become pen pals. As the separation begins to take a toll on their relationship, Bella is left no choice but to confront the harsh realities of life.
Length: 8:00
Director: Zaira B Aguilar
Producer: Zaira B Aguilar
Writer: Zaira B Aguilar
About the writer, director and producer:
ZAIRA BELEN AGUILAR is a Mexican-American filmmaker from Los Angeles, California. From a young age, she was a shy girl but discovered her voice through filmmaking.
Key cast: Sidney Karr (Bella), Eddie Aguilar (father) ,Tanya Ringer (Mother), Spencer Wilson ((Father (Voice)) ,Annie Slabach ((Mother (Voice))
Looking for: film festival directors, distributors, journalists
Website: www.dearbellafilm.com
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Nevada Women's Film Festival/online- June 22, 2020