STORMS – She faced the storms of moviemaking – literally and figuratively – and weathered all of them.
In reference is Baby R. Nebrida, writer, director, and producer of Gold Barn’s “Across the Crescent Moon.” “Never say die” is her battle cry, in a manner of speaking.
Baby’s thankful to all those who were with her, from preparation to execution to conclusion of the action-drama topbilled by Matteo Guidicelli. Even to those who belittled her. Detractors made her worked even harder to prove them wrong.
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FEEDBACK – Baby is heartened by the positive feedback to “Across the Crescent Moon” on mainstream and social media.
At the end of the presscon and preview, Dina Bonnevie, her favorite actress and cast in the film, said it was the first time she cried in her own movie. But then others, among them lady columnist Nora Calderon, also shed tears, touched by the story of interfaith marriage, between a Muslim soldier and a Christian girl.
The action scene also merited a lot of good words, one even saying the film is comparable to Hollywood’s big productions. “An action director is born,” said still photographer Ben Nollora, “Kaya pala ni direk Baby, pero alam ko sobrang hirap at gastos ng pelikula.”
Aside from Matteo and Dina, also in the excellent cast are Christopher de Leon, Gabby Concepcion, Sandy Andolong, Jerene Tan, Joem Bascon, Ivan Carapiet, and Alex Godinez as leading lady.
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CHILDREN – At the presscon-preview, Baby was proud mother to two children, Christie and Jodi Nebrida, who were of great help in the making of “Across the Crescent Moon” as supervising line producer and creative producer, respectively.
In time, Jodi hopes to be a director and Christie a full-fledged producer, seeing the challenges and joys of filmmaking.
Well, as they say, “The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree.” In Filipino, “Kung ano ang puno, iyon din ang bunga.”
Children are said to follow in the footsteps of their parents.
In “Across the Crescent Moon,” some second generation actors are in the cast. Jerico Estregan (son of ER Ejercito Estregan), Mariel de Leon (daughter of Christopher and Sandy Andolong), Garie Concepcion (daughter of Gabby).
“Across the Crescent Moon” opens today in theaters nationwide.