'Bella' star works to protect the unborn in Spain

Madrid, Spain, Nov 7, 2008 / 19:22 pm

Mexican actor turned pro-life leader Eduardo Verastegui is in Spain this week promoting his movie “Bella,” which debuts there this weekend. While in Barcelona, Verastegui spoke about his desire to protect the unborn, especially Hispanics in the U.S.

According to the Efe news agency, Verastegui said the film, directed by Alejandro Monteverde, is intended “to touch the hearts of all,” and is a result of his desire to produce a film that “elevates and saves the dignity of Hispanics in the United States.”

“It’s also a hymn to life and to the respect for the basic values that are being lost, especially among young people,” he added.

“Bella,” which won the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival in 2006, will debut in 100 theaters in Spain this weekend.  Verastegui plays Jose, a soccer star about to sign a multimillion dollar contract whose life takes a tragic turn until he meets Nina, a pregnant waitress who wants to get an abortion.

“There’s nothing greater than protecting life, from conception to natural death,” Verastegui said, adding that he is disappointed with Hollywood’s stereotyping of Hispanics.

“Hispanics are more often portrayed as crooks, rappers or womanizers instead of as everyday heroes who struggle to find their place in society through hard work,” he said.

“So I promised myself I would never offend the Hispanic community, my values and my family again,” he stated, adding that the result was the birth of Metanoia Films, the company that produced “Bella.”