Genre
Synopsis
The film, BELLA, is about the life, influence and impact of California-based artist and activist Bella Lewitzky. 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. Designated one of America's irreplaceable dance treasures by the Dance Heritage Coalition and awarded the national medal of arts, Lewitzky’s life demonstrates how a “uniquely Californian” artist with vision and tenacity can change the lives of her fellow citizens.
Bio
Producer/director/educator Bridget Murnane is known for her creative media treatments of dance, as well as experimental and narrative projects. Her films have screened in numerous festivals and received awards, including two CINE Eagles. The PBS series, New Television and The Territory, have presented her work, as well as the cable channel, Classic Arts Showcase. Bridget was the Associate Producer of Mia, a Dancer's Journey, broadcast on PBS and winner of the 2015 Los Angeles Emmy Award for Arts, Culture and History, and Professor of Television, Film and Media Studies at California State University, Los Angeles. She recently produced and directed “Bella,” a film about artist/activist Bella Lewitzky which has received broad festival acclaim in Madrid, Barcelona, Antwerp, Canterbury, Scotland, Italy, Mexico, and Nepal, as well as many US festivals including the San Francisco Dance Film Festival, DOCUTAH, The Whistleblowers Summit and Film Festival, Dance Camera West, Syracuse International Film Festival, Ojai Film Festival, Frame X Frame (Houston), and the Orlando International Film Festival.
Screening History
Madrid International Film Festival 2022
Palm Springs International Film Festival 2023
Dance On Camera/Lincoln Center Films 2023
56th Houston International Film Festival 2023
Worldwide Women's Festival 2023
Awards History
Montgomery Film Festival 2023 - Best Documentary
Madrid International Film Festival 2022 - Exceptional Showcase of the Arts and Best Doc Cinematography
Credits
Producer - Bridget Murnane
Director - Bridget Murnane
Editor - Alex Bushe
Cinematographer - Morgan Sandler
