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So, in some ways, a former Pope is partly responsible for the making of this film!

"It's amazing," says Verástegui, "because what are the odds? For four years, I had no money, nothing. I was turning down all these projects, and I just had to trust God. And the next thing you know, I'm meeting the Pope, who was an actor when he was very young, and he prayed for our company. And ten days later, we meet this guy, and they gave us the money, boom, just like that."

Monteverde wrote the script specifically with Verástegui in mind for the lead role of José. Loosely basing some of the characters on members of his own family, Monteverde says he set out to write "a love story that breaks the barriers of a traditional romance."

Versategui and co-star Tammy Blanchard in 'Bella'

"I wanted to write a love story that isn't just about the romance between a man and a woman, but about self-sacrificial love—and a story about how each other's pain becomes each other's redemption. And I wanted to make a film that shows there's always a choice that doesn't have to lead to moral pain."

Verástegui says that with Bella, Metanoia, and whatever films they produce hereon, his life now has new meaning and purpose—and passion.

"This is a movie that celebrates life, family, forgiveness, and all our values in a very subtle way," he says. "It's not preachy. It's not political. It brings people together.

"This is my career now. I'm passionate about Bella; this is our baby. It's a small budget film with a lot of heart, and we hope that Metanoia can do more and more films that will honor God. Our goal is that if God were on the set, or watching this movie, we wouldn't have to cover his eyes at any time. That's what motivates us, and that's why we hope people will come and see Bella."

To learn more about Bella, to see a trailer, and to see Eduardo's personal testimony on video, go to the official website.

© 2007 Christianity Today International. Click for reprint information.

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