Hollywood, Calif., Oct 24, 2007 / 09:48 am (CNA).- Eduardo Verastegui, star of the movie "Bella," has been "overwhelmed with joy" by the support shown for the movie. 

In an email to his fans, Verastegui described the progress of Bella as marked by three miracles.  The first miracle was finding investors to finance the movie.  The second miracle was the completion of the movie itself, since its makers were first-time filmmakers.  The third miracle was when "Bella" won the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival's People's Choice award.

Though grateful for these fortunate events, Verastegui applauded his supporters most of all.  "The most touching of all has been traveling the country and meeting all of you, and your support this week has been inspirational," he wrote.

He explained that hundreds of the theaters showing the film have pre-sold all their seats to fans.  Some individuals are buying 100 to 10,000 tickets for family, church groups, and total strangers.  One young woman who could not even afford her rent was so dedicated to the movie she "adopted" a theater with her meager savings so others could see the movie.

Bella organizers also told CNA of another young woman who was planning on aborting the child that she was pregnant with. After seeing the movie, she decided that there was no way she could have an abortion. Her new baby girl is named Bella.

Verastegui asked supporters to e-mail friends and family and book theaters for the film.  "It is a beautiful film that to me was created by something bigger then (sic) us all, and I will never forget all of the passion, support and life this film has inspired," he wrote.

"Bella," which opens this Friday in select theaters, is a romantic drama about a single New York City waitress who struggles with an unexpected pregnancy and the man who helps her through her hardship.  It has secured as its executive producer Steve McEveety, who is known for producing "Braveheart" and "The Passion of the Christ." 

The film's website is at http://www.bellathemovie.com.

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