The film, Bella, is about the life, influence and impact of California-based artist and activist Bella Lewitzky.

Interview with Director/Producer Bridget Murnane

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

To carry on Bella Lewitzky's legacy.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

Bella Lewitzky was in important leader in dance, issues of freedom of expression and women's rights.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Described as"...one of the greatest American dancers of our age," (Walter Terry). Bella Lewitzky was a talented, strong, out-spoken individual, who dedicated her creative life to protect the rights of every American.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

We began with a timeline script, but this developed into into an elliptical portrayal of Bella Lewitzky's life and work.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Excellent, audiences leave the screenings inspired, wanting to ask questions, and ultimately wanting to carry on Bella Lewitzky's legacy.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Not really.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

To create more awareness of Bella Lewitzky's life, influence and cultural impact.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Looking for sales agents, buyers, distributors, festival directors and journalists.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

Would love to have audiences feel empowered to make a difference in the world.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

What can you do to carry on Bella Lewitzky's legacy?

Would you like to add anything else?

Hoping this film empowers audiences to make a difference in the world.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Bridget Murnane is in development on a film about her family's role in the development of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Interview: December 2022

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

Bella

The film, Bella, is about the life, influence and impact of California-based artist and activist Bella Lewitzky.

Length: 1:38:00

Director: Bridget Murnane

Producer: Bridget Murnane

Writer: Alex Bushe, Pat Verducci

About the writer, director and producer:

BRIDGET MURNANE has exhibited her work in theatrical, broadcast and cable platforms. She received an MA in Dance and an MFA in Television and Film Production from UCLA, and is a former Professor of Television, Film and Media Studies at California State University, Los Angeles. Her films have screened in numerous international festivals and received awards including two CINE Eagles. Bridget produced the narrative feature film Odile and Yvette at the Edge of the World which premiered at the Edinburgh Film Festival, and received theatrical distribution. The PBS series, New Television and The Territory have broadcast her work, as well as the cable channel, Classic Arts Showcase.

ALES BUSHE is a Los Angeles-based editor with experience in both fiction and nonfiction filmmaking. He has worked on over 20 films, including 6 features with renowned director Werner Herzog.

Screenwriter, film director and story consultant, PAT VERDUCCI has worked with both New York Times best selling authors, and newbies who are working on their first book or screenplay. As a writer she’s penned scripts for Touchstone Pictures, Witt Thomas Productions, and Disney’s animation division.

Key cast: Carmen De Lavallade (Interviewee), Larry Attaway (Interviewee), Walter Kennedy (Interviewee), Barbara Bain (Interviewee)

Looking for: sales agents, distributors, film festival directors and buyers

Facebook: BellaLewitzkyfilm

Instagram: @bellalewitzkyfilm

Hashtags used: #Bella #Lewitzkydancecompany #bellalewitzkydancecompany

Website: www.bellasfilm.com

Funders: Self-funded

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Palm Springs International Film Festival/Palm Springs - January 12, 13, 14; Dance Camera West International Film Festival/Los Angeles - January 19; Miami Jewish Film Festival/Miami - January 12-26; Worldwide Women's Film Festival - February 17-19