‘Rooftop Film Screening VI’

‘Bella Vista’ by Vera Brunner-Sung
02.07.2016

Screening followed by a Q&A after the screening with director Vera Brunner-Sung

Cast & Credit:
Written and directed by Vera Brunner-Sung
Produced by Vera Brunner-Sung, Jeri Rafter, and Brooke Swaney
Talent: Kathleen Wise, Hiroka Matsushima
2014 USA Drama 83 minutes
Production company: Slowtale, LLC Official
website: www.bellavistafilm.com

Synopsis: 
Vera Brunner-Sung’s first feature follows the experiences of outsiders in Missoula, Montana. American English language instructor Doris (Kathleen Wise) imparts lessons of assimilation to her international students in the classroom. But in her off-hours she is adrift, treading a fine line between solitude and loneliness. As her students find friendship and community, Doris discovers her own true identity in the secrets of the vast Western landscape.

Director’s Statement:
I am interested in what happens when we are separated from our origins. The child of immigrants to the United States, I grew up in a land that considers this removal a promise of freedom and opportunity. But what are its consequences? Bella Vista explores both sides: the perils of rootlessness, as well as the optimism of new beginnings. My first feature, the script was inspired in part by my own experience moving to Montana in 2011.

Bella Vista had its world premier at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in January 2014 and was awarded the George C. Lin Emerging Filmmaker Award at the 15th San Diego Asian Film Festival.