Bella' creator's faith in films {anti-abortion movie}

Washington Times ^ | October 26, 2007 | Kelly Jane Torrance

[3AngelaD]

Alejandro Gomez Monteverde is just 30 years old, but he's already had what some seasoned directors might think of as a career high. His very first feature film, "Bella," won the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival last year. (Previous winners include Best Picture Oscar winners "American Beauty" and "Chariots of Fire.")...Recognition, however, isn't enough for this ambitious young Mexican-born filmmaker. Mr. Monteverde wants nothing less than to change the industry of which he's just become a part....

Mr. Monteverde is a co-owner of Metanoia Films...he and his partners had a real mission in mind, one they felt they could serve only by doing everything themselves.

"We wanted to create a production company where we can make films that light a candle in the darkness we're being fed through the media — violence and very sexually oriented films," Mr. Monteverde explains... "Bella" is an inspiring, life-affirming film, but don't let such descriptives fool you into thinking it will hit you over the head with a message. The script...gets its power from developing the stories of real human beings.

"We're not here to make religious films," Mr. Monteverde insists. "We're here to make films that entertain but don't celebrate or explore the dark side of humanity...".

"Chasing Papi" star Eduardo Verastegui plays Jose, a chef with a tragic past who impulsively takes the day off work to comfort and counsel Nina (played by Tammy Blanchard), who is fired from her waitressing job the same day she learns she's pregnant....

"Eduardo was thinking of leaving the business for good," Mr. Monteverde recounts. "He was tired of working on projects he didn't believe in."...

...Another of "Bella's" producers is Stephen McEveety, who also produced Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ."...

[3AngelaD]

Of course, the Washington Post review of this movie called it boring and made fun of Eduardo Verastegui's looks, when he is one of the best looking men in films, putting George Clooney in the shade.

[Servant of the Cross]

I think you'll like this too, if you have not seen yet - Eduardo’s story

[Squawk 8888]

"We wanted to create a production company where we can make films that light a candle in the darkness we're being fed through the media — violence and very sexually oriented films,"

I don't like going to the movies but for this I think I'll make an exception. I'm kicking myself for not seeing it at the Toronto festival when I had the chance.

[3AngelaD]

I saw Eduardo on Don Francisco Presents Wednesday night and he is great. He had me in tears. Of course, I’ve been a fan since he was in Soñadoras, and I loved Chasing Papi. A real man.

[3AngelaD]

Wow. I hadn’t seen that video.

[mpackard]

Good Lord, that man is INCREDIBLY gorgeous. He is also a man with principals. Who is George Cloony?

[USArmySpouse]

Of course, the Washington Post review of this movie called it boring and made fun of Eduardo Verastegui's looks, when he is one of the best looking men in films, putting George Clooney in the shade.

I just watched that youtube video linked below, then came back here to make sure I read your post correctly.

All I can say is, "The Washington Post must be BLIND!!!" That man is GORGEOUS! LOL

[Servant of the Cross]

This is a man with principles, as attractive on the inside (even more so?) as the outside. Here is a story from an interview of him:

Prior to filming, in an effort to understand what the character Nina was going through, Eduardo made a visit to an abortion clinic. “I wanted to build my character and do some research and investigation.”

“I was in shock when I saw all these 16- and 17-year-old girls going in and I didn’t know what to do. I forgot about the film and then I saw a few people outside trying to convince [a young girl] not to do it. “I approached that group … (snip) ‘Eduardo we don’t speak Spanish, can you talk to them?’ I said ‘yes.’” (snip) “We ended up talking for 45 minutes about everything: life, food, Mexico, dreams—and I gave her a little teddy bear and a little stroller ... (snip)

After they finished filling their cast, Eduardo and team moved on to New York for the shooting for the film. Then, “I came back to Los Angeles, and a few months later I received a call from the man who was with [the pregnant girl] that day and he tells me, ‘Eduardo, I have great news for you. My boy, my baby was born yesterday. I want to ask you permission because I want to call him Eduardo.’

Visit the movie's website here.

[mpackard]

Wow, tears. Thank you.

[SolidWood]

Awesome.

[Servant of the Cross]

Isn't that a beautiful story! Eduardo was quoted in another interview that this was the most noble thing he has ever done in his life! This movie is full of miracles to get to this point and so many more to come!

Your sailor is in my prayers Proud Mama. Thank you for his or her service!

[MNlurker]

Roger Ebert gave it a thumbs up (I was interested to see what he would say based on his politics) and in his review mocks the Variety reviewers criticisms of Bella.

Not opening in Minneapolis for at least another week.

[Aggie Mama]

I can’t imagine anyone making fun of his looks. He is breathtaking!

[Guenevere]

bttt

[mpackard]

Thank you.....she’s a she and I’m extremely proud!

[AmericanPapist]

What a worthless review. I’ve posted my own advance review of Bella below as well as provided many links to theater listings, related news stories, etc:

http://blog.americanpapist.com/

Thanks!

[SuziQ]

Eye candy, and a lovely soul. What a great combination!

[3AngelaD]

Do you have a link to Ebert’s review?

[3AngelaD]

Found the Ebert review:

http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071025/REVIEWS/710250301

[3AngelaD]

Nice review. Total absence of snarkiness, which I appreciate. I hope a lot of people see this movie. It needs widespread, mainstream exposure. I’m going tomorrow. But I thought Kelly Anne did a pretty good job, too.