Recently, Dear Little Dollies brought to you our independent documentary film, entitled Bella: Portrait of a Prayer, which premiered in a Red Carpet charity event on October 21 at the Bellmore Movie Theater on Pettit Avenue in Bellmore. We are overjoyed to report that the theater was packed, and beyond this, that the response to this film was overwhelming, and without exception, extremely positive. We are humbled by the gracious reception of this powerful, albeit gentle, telling of the story of our beloved family member, and the most esteemed member of the DLD family, Donna Camilleri. Look at the standing ovation! And the infectious glee of Donna as she receives applause and red roses!
Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Avenue in Bellmore, was the perfect venue for the perfect Red Carpet event! Bellmore should be proud that this theater is the last single screen theater in all of Nassau County, and that it offers not only mainstream films, but also live theater as well as independent films like our own. Its traditional old-time theater atmosphere, curved glass window ticket booth, red velvet theater seats and dramatic curtains, and of course, red carpet lined with festoon, were delightful!
The film was a success in its own right, thanks especially to Daniel Huergo Van Damm, our exceptionally talented pro-bono cinematographer/consultant. And the charitable fundraising purpose of this Red Carpet was as much a success! 100% of the sale of tickets, the sale of memorabilia, and proceeds from the ADRC (Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center) sponsored raffle has been distributed to several tax exempt organizations for programs which benefit persons with Down syndrome. The proceeds have been divided among ADRC (to help them expand their program targeting young onset Alzheimer’s, to which persons with Down syndrome are particularly susceptible), to the ACDS, the AHRC, the Diocese of Rockville Centre Special Needs Ministry, and to the NDSS. Your ticket and other purchases made this part happen. Thank YOU!
In the film, Donna tells her own story, and it is corroborated through interviews with her dad and siblings, as well as community members, each interviewee adding something essential and profound, and each a candid testament to the significance of Donna’s life and her awesome affect on others. We have heard back from many who attended the Red Carpet with poignant testaments to how the film profoundly moved each one of them. Many have expressed a desire to see this film again. Many have urged us to show the film again in other forums . . . Apparently, the world needs the affirming message of Donna’s life! We thought so, and that is why we brought her story to you. We are humbled by your response, and are planning to give those who missed the Red Carpet another opportunity for this special night out at the movies! Stay tuned. . . .!!! “Bella” may be coming to you!!!