We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Monique “Bella” Fontella Pollock. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Monique “Bella” Fontella below.
Monique “Bella” Fontella , appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
I have recently completed a short film entitled, “Hard to Be Soft” as part of my doctoral dissertation in Instructional Design and Technology. As I am able to focus my studies on areas that are passionate to me, I chose Black women, workplace trauma, and the soft life to explore. The soft life is a new phenomena that encourages Black women to approach life in a way that gives pause to the Strong Black Woman trope many have been taught throughout their lives. This involves embracing self-care, ease, peace, and moving away from situations that cause stress and discomfort.
My film focuses on the psychological effects that could impact Black women, as they struggle with multiple identities. As they put on an outward appearance to be seen as strong, they may also desire to express a different side of their personality that may be opposite from that. Additionally, the media has also told a story of what it means to be a Black woman, and these pressures affect how they are seen by others as well as how they see themselves.
I hope the film opens up dialogue about expectations for Black women and shows them in a different light. This includes being vulnerable, hopeful, and human, while embracing the psychological strength training from early childhood taught by their mothers and community of women.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Monique, also known as BellaFontella. I am an all around creative with a background in teaching and performing music. As an educator, my work has expanded across many fields and led me to a career in Instructional Design and Technology. This career means I can take any subject matter content and turn it into learning experiences for people. This is a career that allows me to be creative and bring in my outside passions to work.
As being a filmmaker is one of my newer titles, it couples perfectly with Instructional Design. It brings in my musicianship, script writing, editing tools, storyboards, media and more. I am very fortunate to have been able to sharpen many skills throughout my life, which has helped me become a better arts professional.
I have many stories to tell, all with the intent of getting people to think, grow and change for the better. The design element of my studies helps me as a screenwriter by telling stories that the viewer can understand. I strive to be a special addition to the film industry, bringing these qualities into the entertainment industry.
As an actress, I am happy that I can tell the truth through stories. In my short film, I direct, as well as star in, this very important topic involving the mental health of Black women.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing your work come into fruition. It is mentally taxing to come up with ideas and strategize their execution. Seeing them develop and perform successfully makes me happy.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I have pivoted many times in my career by choice. I am thankful for these pivots, although they were not comfortable at the time. I started my career as a band director, teaching music to middle school children. I then elevated my career to being a university professional as Director of Arts Education. Although this was my dream job, it turned into a nightmare. Recognizing that sometimes in life, titles are just that and passionate work far exceeds how a position sounds to others. Although there were learning opportunities in that experience, the discomfort of not being valued for my true talents impacted my life to this day. Setting boundaries and expectations for work would prove to be how I would find happiness at a job later on in my career. I also spent some time in the career of aviation. I had many interesting experiences there, but was not necessarily working in my calling. However, this season of my life challenged me and exposed me to global experiences. I took those lessons and continued to grow as a designer. I knew that my diverse background could help me shape and mold people everywhere, and that my teachings would one day have no borders. They have now far exceeded any classroom setting.
Some life discomforts made me pivot, but my dreams kept me going toward my goals. When you know your purpose, you will never settle. I learned that I would never be a right fit anywhere, until I got on the path designed specifically for me.
My film “Hard to Be Soft” will be posted on my website soon. www.bellafontella.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bellafontella.com
- Instagram: bellafontella