Long-awaited film ‘Bella,’ winner of the ‘People’s Choice Award’ at the Film Festival of Toronto, 2006, premiers in the U.S. on October 26th

A powerful love story that goes beyond the romantic and has the potential to be a life-changing film, Verástegui marks his debut as a producer and celebrates his coming of age as actor

Los Angeles, CA--(HISPANIC PR WIRE)--October 19, 2007--Eduardo Verástegui, the eclectic Mexican star, has great talent as a producer and actor, and great passion to succeed and direct. In 2006, his film “Bella” won the ‘People’s Choice Award’ at the Toronto Film Festival, often an indicator of future Oscar winners such as: Life is Beautiful, American Beauty, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon y Hotel Rwanda.

Now “Bella” premiers on October 26 in the United States, predicting that thanks to this touching and revealing production, the Hollywood industry will take a well-deserved turn, especially for Latinos.

“Bella”, written and directed by the Mexican filmmaker Alejandro Monteverde, produced by Metanoia Films and distributed by Liongate and Roadside Attractions, touches with unusual sensitivity the universal subject of love, friendship, family, and the challenges in the face of adversity. It is a love story that transcends romanticism, and as such “Bella” has touched the heart of the public in festivals, receiving many awards.

In the last few months, the Metanoia Films team has received awards across the United States and Mexico. The Smithsonian Latino Center honored Eduardo Verastegui (actor/producer) and Alejandro Monteverde (writer/director) with the prestigious “Legacy Award” for their contributions with “Bella” to the arts, to the image of Hispanics in the United States and for their positive message. The film took its producers to the White House, where President George Bush presented the “Outstanding American for Choice” award to director and writer Alejandro Monteverde as an initiative to recognize the contributions that naturalized immigrants have made to their communities and to this country.

After facing great challenges to study cinematography in this country, and confronted with economic and language barriers, Monteverde obtained his legal residency and recently his American citizenship. From hiding inside a mailroom at the University of Texas to be able to sleep (with an empty stomach), he became a guest of honor at the White House, and the pride of Latinos.

“Bella”, financed and produced by the entrepreneur Sean Wolfington was selected among thousands of films for the opening at the LA Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) in 2006. The film was also selected to open the Miami International Film Festival (MIFF), and was the official selection at the Dallas, San Diego, Morelia, Huatulco, Santa Barbara, Austin Film Festivals. On May 5, the Mexican Embassy in Washington D.C. selected it as the winner of “Crystal Heart Award” in the Heartland Film Festival, among others.

Eduardo Verástegui said that “Bella” had the power to change lives, just as it changed his. “I needed to give 100% of myself to my beliefs and to produce a film that gave dignity to Latinos all over the World, to act and to tell stories that made a difference in our society”. “And that conviction resulted in ‘Bella’.”

The film rated PG, and starring Hispanic and American actors such as Angélica Aragón, Manny Pérez, Ali Landry y Tammy Blanchard, will be shown at the VIP Red Carpet Reception in the city of Miami, sponsored in part by Goya and Bacardi. Celebrities of the arts, film, press, TV and politics, have confirmed their presence to the event on Tuesday October 23, at the Gusman Center.

“Bella” premiers nationally on October 26 in the United States, bringing hope to new generations to appreciate a great film, with a positive, fresh message, that celebrates not only Hispanic values but the values of all human beings.

***FOR PRESS PASSES TO COVER THE MIAMI PREMIER PLEASE SEND CREDENTIALS TO
conchita@latinwe.com

“BELLA PREMIER MIAMI”
Tuesday, October 23
Olympia Theater
Gusman Center
174 East Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33131
Complimentary Valet Parking at 2nd Ave. & Flagler St.

PROGRAM:
6:00 p.m. Red Carpet and Reception Cocktail
7:00 p.m. Premier of “Bella”
Dessert tasting with cast and producers
Doors close at 7:00 pm

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