fiction film (2004)
35mm • 16 min. • color
"Old age ain't no place for sissies"*
Belle is a subversive fable of old age and beauty. The film was made with a community of 80 - 93 year old women whose participation as actors and advisors shaped the heart of the work.
Belle was made with the generous support of the Jerome Foundation and NYSCA. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and aired on IFC.
"Quietly shocking in its frankness"
- Film Threat
Writer/Director Ruth Sergel • Producers Pamela Griffiths • Nicole Franklin • Maya Montañez Smukler • Associate Producers Jude Calder, Mei Szetu • Director of Photography David Griffiths • Editor Lora Zaretsky • Music Michael Montes • Costume Designer Suzanne Kelly • Production Designer Paul Weathered • Sound Editor Al Zaleski • Title Design Steve Tozzi • Mr. Fix-it Manfred Reiff • Production Manager Carolyn Hepburn
Belle: Ethel Greenbaum • Ladies of the Boardwalk: Marion Baker, Hope Bernstein, Goldie Gold, Blanche Schreiber, Ruth Shapiro, Susan Spielman, Ruth Vogel • Pablo: George Valencia • Cashiers: Jennifer Poe, Jennifer Vilette • Gas Station Attendant: Juan Molinari • Dandy: Nathan Farb • Hussy: Deborah Schwartz • Store Customers: Kate & Lola Buncher, Robert Castanos, Sylvia Cattan, Denise, Sarah & Sylvia Grazi, Shannon Mincieli, Christopher Trudeau • Gas Station Customers: Kristen Carey, Molly Lariccia, Manfred Reiff • Boardwalk: Marsha Gildin, Franklin Perkins, Marilyn Silverman • Belle’s Neighbor: Shirley Seligman • Belle’s Son: Michael Shulan • Secretary: Vera Zelen • Pablo’s Wife: Candice Coke
