MATTEO GUIDICELLI plays the lead role of a dedicated Muslim soldier who belongs to the Special Action Force (SAF) in the big-budgeted action-drama “Across the Crescent Moon”, written, produced and directed by Baby Nebrida, who wrote the acclaimed inspirational films “Init o Lamig” and “Flames of Love”. The movie turns Matteo into a full fledged action star.
“I trained hard for my role and I did the stunts and action scenes myself,” he says. “The movie gave me the chance to work with Tito Christopher de Leon for the first time, who I really admire so much as an actor. He plays my Muslim father in the movie and my mom is his real wife, Tita Sandy Andolong. The story is very timely as it’s about human trafficking and we have to save Filipinas who are kidnapped and sold to syndicates abroad. It’s also a love story as I fall in love with a Christian woman, played by theater actress Alex Godinez, who I’ve known from way back. Playing her parents are Gabby Concepcion and Dina Bonnevie, who are against me because I’m a Muslim. Puro magagaling ang mga kasama naming veteran stars kaya we’re inspired to give our best also."
Will he ask his inamorata Sarah Geronimo to watch the movie with him? “Of course, I’d like her to see it as I’m very proud of this movie which is not only entertaining as a hard action film but is also meaningful and timely as it tackles valid problems concerning our nation.”Writer-director Baby Nebrida has nothing but praises for Matteo. “Masarap siyang katrabaho kasi kahit ang dami naming pinagawang mahihirap na eksena sa kanya, including big risky action scenes with explosions, he never complained,” she says. “Mahusay siyang makisama sa lahat, very nice to all his co-stars and the crew members. And he really delivers as an actor, not only in the action scenes but also in the dramatic scenes na nakipagsabayan siya sa mga more experienced actors na kaeksena niya.”
Also in the film’s big cast are Ivan Carapiet as the main antagonist, Jason Abalos, Joem Bascon, Ku Aquino, Rez Cortez, Leo Martinez, Mariel de Leon, Jerico Estregan, Jackie Aquino, Garrie Concepcion, Gerald Ejercito and Jerene Tan. “Across the Crescent Moon” opens in theaters on January 25. Don’t miss it!