Meet Bridget Murnane | Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bridget Murnane and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bridget, why did you pursue a creative career?
Often ask myself this question. I’m from an Irish working class family in Cambridge, MA, raised by a single mother. My mother often took me to museums, performances, theater, dance, and movies. Lived down the street from Harvard Square where artists were everywhere. Being brought up in that environment probably created the spark. Started dancing in my teens, continued through my 20’s and became a professional modern dancer. Eventually went back to school at age 29 for an MA in Dance at UCLA, but discovered the Film School. So, when I finished the Dance Master’s, was officially accepted into the film school and received an MFA in 1990.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I taught filmmaking in higher ed for 28 years at UT Austin, Emerson College and Cal State LA. I had to retire so I could finish BELLA. There was no way I could do both jobs, best decision I ever made. When I graduated from UCLA Film School, there was no place for women in the industry, not many options. A lot of us went into teaching to support ourselves, but as the years went by the teaching load increased along with administrative responsibilities, making it impossible to create work. I have learned that you must fulfill your dreams. BELLA is my first documentary feature at age 70!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Always take friends to the Griffith Park Observatory to give them the lay of the land. Dinner at Musso & Frank’s is a must. Since I live in Atwater Village, have a number of good restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops including Proof, Holy Basil, State Street Tacos, El Buen Gusto, and, of course, the Tam O’Shanter. Now that the Vista is open would go there, it’s been beautifully renovated. Love to go to the Arts District and walk around. Hauser &k Wirth has an amazing space with free galleries. Manuela’s is in their courtyard and has fantastic food. The book store there is, also great. So many restaurants down there. Wrap up the night going over the 6th street bridge, such an amazing piece of architecture. Love Barnsdall Park, the Frank Lloyd Wright/Hollyhock house is a special piece of history in LA. In that neighborhood like to go to Figaro Bistrot, and walk along Vermont, fabulous book stores. The Getty is always on the list, one of the most spectacular views in the city and always has interesting exhibits. The Academy Museum is a great place to take people, another incredible view, and great exhibits. So many museums to visit, LACMA, MOCA, Petersen, Norton Simon, the Autry, Hunington. Love to go to shows at the Music Center, and Disney Hall is a must. LA is such an amazing place!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Bella Lewitzky, the subject of my new film BELLA, was an incredible mentor. Also, worked with Allegra Fuller Snyder at the UCLA dance department. More recently worked with Maria Ramas on her film about her mother, Mia Slavenska. My work on that film prompted me to make the film about Bella. A big shout out to PBS SoCal for broadcasting and streaming BELLA.

Website: https://www.bellasfilm.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellalewitzkyfilm/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-murnane-2516276/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lewitzky

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bellalewitzkyfilm567

Other: https://www.pbssocal.org/shows/bella

Image Credits
Interviewing Carmen De Lavallade, Worldwide International Women’s Festival, Film Fest International, Dance on Camera/Film at Lincoln Center.