Independently owned movie theaters are hard to come by these days. The Laemmle Theaters [Where: 673 East Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA, 91101] are some of the few left in Southern California operating since 1938. The City of Pasadena is home to two of these theaters one of which discriminates against Hollywood blockbusters by offering indie fans only the best of local and international film festivals. If this interests you and you can make it down Colorado Boulevard without being lured by the great shopping and night scene you will find what is known as “the playhouse.”

The best parts about this movie house are the affordable prices and the fact that you can bring your own food and drinks. It is a laid back place where you can check out a flick on your own or be part of a special viewing like the one I attended hosted by the Bella Foundation. Coincidently, the group was promoting a film by the same name based around the idea of open adoptions. After a brief intro by a local priest and couples that have built families with their help, I settled in to see an honest depiction of a women’s decision about an unwanted pregnancy.

Bella is a film deeply rooted in Latin culture. The story is lead by a young man’s inner struggles as he tries to overcome a tragic accident, one that took the life of a little girl and his opportunity to become a successful soccer player. Director Alejandro Monteverde creates a space within today’s fast-paced life to allow two strangers to share special moments and lean on each other as they accept who they have become. The cast does a great job of depicting key pillars in life: sharing, loving, working, dancing, and most importantly, supporting.

The lead actors, Jose and Nina, really carry a message of living for today and how life sometimes gets in the way. As the question of abortion gets thrown around, Jose’s Christ-like appearance and calming presence reminds us that if we have lost our way, there is always a road to redemption. In Nina’s and Jose’s case this meant accepting their short comings and allowing a new life to exist.