This beautiful film honestly examines and reflects upon the tragedies we inevitably face and the second chances life affords us. A struggling waitress in a New York restaurant finds herself dealing with an unwanted pregnancy and takes solace in the comforting counsel of her quiet co-worker, a chef with a mountain-man beard and a storied, but painful past. The two spend the day together, visiting his family, sharing their lives, and coming to terms with how to handle her pregnancy. Eduardo Verástegui, a former Mexican soap opera star, delivers a touching, subtle performance as the emotionally tortured chef José. Tammy Blanchard is also noteworthy as the strong-willed waitress Nina who tries to hide how very vulnerable she feels. The gritty, rugged look director Alejandro Gomez Monteverde and cinematographer Andrew Cadelago lend to the film adds an extra layer of credibility to the film’s realistic tone. Bella won the Toronto International Film Festival’s 2006 People’s Choice Award and the Heartland Film Festival’s 2007 Crystal Heart Award.