Bella! 2023

In 1970, during an era dominated by men in leadership, Bella Abzug bravely challenged the existing norms by launching a successful campaign that propelled her into one of the highest offices in the nation. Armed with a captivating Bronx street swagger and her signature hat, Bella became a formidable figure, both respected and feared as she navigated her campaign from the vibrant streets of New York all the way to the revered halls of Congress.

An outspoken critic of Nixon, a close ally of Barbra Streisand, and a defining presence in the burgeoning Feminist movement, Bella’s activism reached unparalleled heights as she unabashedly confronted the corridors of power in Washington. She recognized the imperative need for legislative changes that advocated for the rights of women, the LGBT community, and the working class. In doing so, Bella became a symbol of a transforming America.

This remarkable journey is vividly chronicled in the film through fresh interviews featuring Bella’s family, colleagues, adversaries, and friends, including renowned personalities such as Hillary Clinton, Shirley MacLaine](/actor/shirley-maclaine), Lily Tomlin, Maxine Waters, Nancy Pelosi, Phil Donahue, Marlo Thomas, Charles Rangel, and Gloria Steinem. Narrated by Bella herself, the documentary not only recounts a significant chapter in American history but also serves as a guide on pursuing change through positions of authority.

In the present day, as America grapples with the specter of another corrupt White House and faces unsettling parallels to the political climate of the 1970s, there are invaluable lessons to be gleaned from Bella’s unwavering resolve and her courageous bipartisan efforts during the Nixon administration. Once considered a forgotten hero, her relentless fight for equality has sown seeds of progress that continue to yield benefits today. In this critical moment, when democracy faces unprecedented threats, Bella’s tenacity and indomitable spirit are more essential than ever.