"BELLA BELLA documents the latest chapter in major Bay Area sculptor Bella Feldman's life and provides inspiration for anyone who thinks reaching 70 marks the time to pack it in." Richard Whitaker
"Elizabeth Sher's affectionate half-hour profile proves as surprising as it's subject. It showcase a stunning array of sculpture, of course, and offers a glimpse of the artist at work in her studio. But Sher is more interested in the woman behind the art, and the result is an intimate portrait of a dynamic septuagenarian....Her marvelous sculptures along with her pursuit of a cultured, intellectual life, are elequent rebuffs to the forces of darkness. So is Bella Bella" Michael Fox, Berkeley Monthly
"Known for her imaginative and edgy films that tackle such subjects as women, art and health, Elizabeth Sher has made a career out of films that blur the boundaries between cinema and visual art. Her latest film, "Bella Bella," is no exception offering viewers an engaging look at sculptor Bella Feldman, who at age 75 continues to create enigmatic and poetic meditations on subjects such as the weapons of war. The film dives deep into Feldman's health and relationships, giving viewers a candid and sometimes surprising look into the life of a woman at the height of her creativity."Jennifer Modenessi, Contra Costa Times
Much of Bella Feldman's sculpture has been in response to the series of seemingly endless wars and violence of the 20th and 21st centuries. Combining the hardness of metal with the fluid qualities of glass, her work is strong yet feminine. Raised in New York City and steeped in history and politics, she finds ways to use these materials to tackle serious subject matter while maintaining an ironic and humorous edge.
Widowhood, serious heart problems and a new relationship all pose challenges, but Feldman continues to take risks, both in her life and in her art. Bella Feldman sees NOT taking on new challenges and closing down as the biggest risk - offering a great role model for all of us.
2008 Screenings and Broadcasts
• KCSM-TV! May 26th 9:30 PM and other times. Check KCSM online for a station in your area
•Official Selection! September, 2008 Independents Film Festival, The Education Channel, Tampa, FL
• Screening - September 14, Baltimore Women's Film Festival, Creative Alliance at The Patterson Theater, Baltimore, MD
• Screening - March 26, 2008 Aratoi Museum, New Zealand. Filmmaker in Person
• Screening - April 19, 2008 Cal State Univ., Monterey Bay. Filmmaker in persom
World Premier 2007
September 25, 2008 Berkeley Art Center, Berkeley, CA
Moderated Discussion with Bella Feldman and Elizabeth Sher
Additional Screenings in the program Visual Lives - 4 Films Celebrate Art
• September 30th, Berkeley Art Center International Small Film Festival
• October 10th, Timken Hall, California College of the Arts San Francisco, CA
• November 30, 2007 Arts Benicia, Benicia, CA Filmmaker and artist in person
"Elizabeth Sher's affectionate half-hour profile proves as surprising as it's subject. It showcase a stunning array of sculpture, of course, and offers a glimpse of the artist at work in her studio. But Sher is more interested in the woman behind the art, and the result is an intimate portrait of a dynamic septuagenarian....Her marvelous sculptures along with her pursuit of a cultured, intellectual life, are elequent rebuffs to the forces of darkness. So is Bella Bella" Michael Fox, Berkeley Monthly
"Known for her imaginative and edgy films that tackle such subjects as women, art and health, Elizabeth Sher has made a career out of films that blur the boundaries between cinema and visual art. Her latest film, "Bella Bella," is no exception offering viewers an engaging look at sculptor Bella Feldman, who at age 75 continues to create enigmatic and poetic meditations on subjects such as the weapons of war. The film dives deep into Feldman's health and relationships, giving viewers a candid and sometimes surprising look into the life of a woman at the height of her creativity."Jennifer Modenessi, Contra Costa Times
Much of Bella Feldman's sculpture has been in response to the series of seemingly endless wars and violence of the 20th and 21st centuries. Combining the hardness of metal with the fluid qualities of glass, her work is strong yet feminine. Raised in New York City and steeped in history and politics, she finds ways to use these materials to tackle serious subject matter while maintaining an ironic and humorous edge.
Widowhood, serious heart problems and a new relationship all pose challenges, but Feldman continues to take risks, both in her life and in her art. Bella Feldman sees NOT taking on new challenges and closing down as the biggest risk - offering a great role model for all of us.
2008 Screenings and Broadcasts
• KCSM-TV! May 26th 9:30 PM and other times. Check KCSM online for a station in your area
•Official Selection! September, 2008 Independents Film Festival, The Education Channel, Tampa, FL
• Screening - September 14, Baltimore Women's Film Festival, Creative Alliance at The Patterson Theater, Baltimore, MD
• Screening - March 26, 2008 Aratoi Museum, New Zealand. Filmmaker in Person
• Screening - April 19, 2008 Cal State Univ., Monterey Bay. Filmmaker in persom
World Premier 2007
September 25, 2008 Berkeley Art Center, Berkeley, CA
Moderated Discussion with Bella Feldman and Elizabeth Sher
Additional Screenings in the program Visual Lives - 4 Films Celebrate Art
• September 30th, Berkeley Art Center International Small Film Festival
• October 10th, Timken Hall, California College of the Arts San Francisco, CA
• November 30, 2007 Arts Benicia, Benicia, CA Filmmaker and artist in person