TRAILER

The jam-packed documentary “Bella!” hustles to 

chronicle the pioneering political career of 

the New York congresswoman Bella Abzug.”

“a very well-researched and thoroughly engaging, riveting portrait of the prominent activist”

“a must-see film”

washington-blade-logo

“One of the most energetic and wonderful films”

– filmmaker, ken burns

“Powerful and Illuminating”

– the nyc movie guru

“A Rousing Profile of a Woman who was  

always one step ahead of her time.”

– 48 hills

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi & Film Director, Jeff L. Lieberman

The Castro Theatre
July 30, 2023

Senator Barbara Boxer & Film Director, Jeff L. Lieberman

Camelot Theatre / Palm Springs Cultural Center
December 14, 2023

As Kamala Harris and Nancy Pelosi lead the nation, they travel a path blazed by several women before them, notably Bella Abzug. In 1970, when the United States was ruled by men, Bella challenged the status quo, running a successful campaign from the streets of Manhattan that elevated her all the way to the halls of Congress. With her trademark hat and Bronx swagger, Bella entered Congress swinging, battling for credit cards for women, equality for the LGBTQ community and trailblazing a path for leadership that reflected the broad diversity of the country.

But the most recognizable woman in politics also became the target of a Washington establishment resistant to change. With her eyes set on breaking the boys’ club of The US Senate or becoming New York’s first female mayor, Bella battled mounting forces from both the right and the left, and the powers of the Nixon Administration, the CIA, FBI, even The New York Times.

Using never-before-seen home movies, audio diaries, and a vast trove of newly-discovered news footage, Bella! delves into a colorful and gritty era where one woman sacrificed her own political ambitions for future generations of female leadership.

Thank you to our supporters:

The Better Angels Society

Davin Carter

Randy Hirt & Bruce Eddy

Joyce & Edmund Fairley

Rita Fuchsberg

Kate Jessup & Igor Zagatsky

Tamar & Tal Kaissar

Carole & Lucien Lieberman

“BELLA!” SELECTED AS WINNER OF THE KEN BURNS PRIZE