Bella
The film, BELLA, is about the life, influence and impact of California-based artist and activist Bella Lewitzky.
The film, BELLA, is about the life, influence and impact of California-based artist and activist Bella Lewitzky.
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.
Producer/Director Bridget Murnane has exhibited her work on 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. Bridget produced the feature Odile and Yvette at the Edge of the World, premiering at the Edinburgh Film Festival, and receiving theatrical distribution. Her films have been broadcast on PBS, as well as numerous cable channels. She was the Associate Producer on Mia a Dancer's Journey, winning a 2015 LA Emmy for Arts, Culture and History, and Cindy, Telly and Golden Mike awards. She was awarded a Pew Fellowship and selected to be a Faculty Fellow by the Television Academy in 2017. In 2019 Bridget received a grant from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences to design and implement the course “Women Making Films” in collaboration with Canon Burbank. Bridget's recent film, "Bella," a feature documentary about choreographer/dancer/arts activist Bella Lewitzky, has received 28 awards and screened in over 60 festivals. “Bella” receive its theatrical premiere at the Laemmle Royal, Los Angeles, November 2024, qualified for Oscar consideration in the Feature Documentary category, was the featured Women's History Month Film on PBS SoCal, broadcast on national PBS, and is currently streaming on PBS and the PBS App.
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
Montgomery Film Festival 2023 - Best Documentary
Madrid International Film Festival 2022 - Exceptional Showcase of the Arts and Best Doc Cinematography
Producer - Bridget Murnane
Director - Bridget Murnane
Editor - Alex Bushe
Cinematographer - Morgan Sandler