Chapman CoPA Student, Bella Murrieta, at 2025 CineVox Dance Film Festival Bella Murrieta represented Chapman University's College of Performing Arts and Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at the CineVox Dance Film Festival 2025, where she shared her film "again&again," which was performed and produced entirely by Chapman students.

       “I’ve spent so much time working on it, why would I keep it to myself? I made this for a reason.” This sentiment inspired Bella Murrieta, a senior College of Performing Arts student studying Dance and Public Relations & Advertising, to submit her work to the CineVox Dance Film Festival in Portland, Oregon, which she heard about through a Chapman career announcement. After submitting her film and being selected, she had the opportunity for her film, “again&again,” to be shown at the festival, along with 22 other filmmakers. Chapman’s Student Government Association supported Bella by funding her travels, ultimately allowing her to attend the festival, where she had the opportunity to witness the other works, as well as others’ responses to her own work.

Bella and the cast of “again&again”

      Bella shared that her film was very different from the other works shown. With those differences, there was a risk that her work might have been misunderstood, yet Bella’s willingness to take that risk illustrated her ability to stand out from the crowd and lean into her own creative voice, values that her Chapman education has helped instill in her. Her film was well-received, and by standing out, she had unique opportunities to connect with other filmmakers, expanding the network that she has built during her time at Chapman.

Bella Murrieta, Dance BA ’25

       Bella’s film was also performed and produced entirely by Chapman students. “I’ve allowed myself to experiment and try new things with dance and film and the Dance Department has been super supportive of that, especially with the Dance Film Club […], [which has] been a great outlet to share things and to connect with filmmakers and dancers,” Bella said. Her willingness to experiment and Chapman’s support of her creativity have prepared Bella well for her future, and she is moving forward eagerly with an open mind. “As I’m gearing up to graduate, I want to make sure my film is seen by other people across the country.” This determined attitude gave Bella the opportunity to attend the Festival and will continue to pave the way for new connections and opportunities as she moves forward with her career.

       Ultimately, Bella’s story of attending the CineVox Dance Film Festival illustrates the importance of risk-taking when it comes to pursuing one’s art form and building connections with other artists. Bella’s advice is that one doesn’t need the best supplies to get started, “as long as you’re creating. If you want to create, you should.” Chapman students like Bella continue to move forward with boldness: ready for new connections, engaged in artistic expression, and prepared for a career in the Arts.