Baby proves that a woman can direct an action movie

Two male directors reportedly ridiculed Baby Nebrida when they learned that Baby, noted for award-winning screenplays, was directing Across the Crescent Moon, an action movie. They asked in disbelief, “How can Baby direct an action film?“

Of course, Baby got wind of it. Instead of being discouraged, she took the ridicule as a challenge, not missing a beat and prodding herself right on, “It’s a go!”

She confessed, “But I was hurt and at the same time I took it as a challenge. I wanted to prove those two (male) directors wrong. I didn’t waste my time answering them. What for? I’m happy that those who have seen the movie told me they couldn’t believe that it was directed by a woman.” 

Executive produced by Bong Tan based on the screenplay that Baby herself wrote, Across the Crescent Moon is an action-drama that tackles problems facing the country, including human trafficking and differences in religious beliefs. The crescent moon symbolizes the Islam faith and the cross, Christianity. Human trafficking is rampant in the South, with men, women and children as victims of sexual exploitation and forced labor.

“Pope Francis in his New Year address called human trafficking ‘a modern slavery’,” said Baby who is a devout Catholic. “It’s a very serious problem worldwide. I did a research and I learned that one out of every four human traffickers is Filipino.”

The all-star cast includes Matteo Guidicelli (see related story at right) as a Muslim soldier (Special Action Force), with Christopher de Leon and real-life wife Sandy Andolong as his parents; theater actress Alex Godinez as Matteo’s girlfriend, with Dina Bonnevie and Gabby Concepcion as her parents; Joem Bascon as Matteo’s sparring partner; and Jerico Estregan as the Malaysian partner of the Filipino human traffickers. Also in the cast are Jerene Tan, Ku Aquino, Sasha Tajaran and Ivan Carapiet. 

“The film is neither pro-Muslim nor pro-Christian,” stressed Baby, “it is pro-peace. I should take note that Christopher, a Catholic, really asked for the role. It is that good.”

While Baby and company didn’t have any problem with the cast, they were hampered by recurring storms that hounded the shoot in several places including Tawi-Tawi (where they shot scenes inside a mosque that dates back to the 13th century). They were scheduled to shoot in 20 calendar days but it was extended to more than 29 days --— with no regrets.

“I really lived up to the challenge(s),” said Baby of the P43M project that she and company planned to enter in international film festivals. “I was so inspired because we were using three Alexa cameras and a Phantom, and Dolby Sound. First time that Dolby is used in a Filipino movie and a Dolby man from London is going to certify it.”

Before shooting started, Baby showed her script to her archbishop friends who all gave it a thumbs-up, telling Baby, “It’s an  exciting story and make sure that it will be produced.” By this time, Baby should have talked to DepEd execs to have the movie shown in schools, with 30 percent discount for students.

Incidentally, it was also Baby who wrote the movie’s haunting theme song, titled Watching The Crescent Moon, sung by Bituin Escalante.

By the way, will Baby invite the two directors (who ridiculed her) to the premiere next week (the movie opens nationwide on Wednesday, Jan. 25)?

“Sure,” smiled Baby. “I will give them front seats so they will know that a woman can direct an action film.”

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)