In his first starring role in an action film, Matteo Guidicelli plays the role of Abbas, a Moslem Special Action Fore (SAF) officer who is married to a Christian. But more than just being a story about faith, the film also tackles other issues the country is currently dealing with. 'It was a challenge and sana mag-enjoy mga tao dito. Not necessarily because of the movie but the message of the film. It’s about Filipinos being one and respecting one another, treating everyone equally, and to stop corruption, stop drugs, and stop human trafficking. Sa trailer pa lang sinasabi namin that the Philippines is one of the biggest sources of human trafficking. Sana the movie will bring out the message na our administration is doing better for us. It’s killing corruption, killing crime, killing drugs, and making the Philippines a better place. Sana we could all gather together as Filipinos and respect one another and make our country the best place possible,” he says during the Across the Crescent Moon presscon held last January 16 in Quezon city.

Across the Crescent Moon was initially intended for the Metro Manila Film Fest but is now set to be screened nationwide starting January 25. During filming, Matteo admitted he was open to doing everything for the film except for a certain kind of scene. 'Sabi ko sa kanila, ‘Lahat ng stunts direk sabihin mo sa stuntman na upo na lang siya at ako na bahala sa lahat!’ Kawawa nga yung stuntman eh, wala siyang nagawa. But I said yes to everything except yung one scene, yung love scene kumbaga. Wala lang, it was done in different ways to implement yung love scene. We didn’t have to do the love scene kumbaga. So we still did it but not the physical love scene that I used to do in Paraiso. Hindi naman sa hindi na puwede. Siyempre I also respect my girlfriend but it’s a thin line. Anyway this is my belief and I respect my girlfriend. I thought it could be done in different ways. It turned out well. Everything is possible with proper communication and talks so okay lang,” he admitted.

When asked if it was true that his girlfriend Sarah Geronimo got jealous of his closeness with leading lady Alex Godinez. The 26-year-old actor clarified the rumor. 'Hindi totoo. Hindi naman nagselos. Pero masasabi ko lang itong si Alex dating friend ko ito, hindi lang friend kun ‘di ex-girlfriend ko. Pero what’s nice is that we kept that close relationship together and we remain friends until today. So I’m very proud that we got to word together. who would’ve known that we’re three barkadas who would work together after three years? So astig. Hindi naman selos, hindi naman. Ano lang, meron kaming bed scene. Sleeping scene. I told Sarah in the beginning that this leading lady I’m going to have is my ex so she was okay with it and okay naman. Walang kissing scene. Hindi naman sa ayaw pero wala sa script eh (laughs). As of now hindi naman kailangan so nagawa naman sa ibang anggulo from the cinematography,” he shared.

The Across the Crescent Moon star said he was not aware he would be working with a former flame when he started shooting the action drama. 'I don’t know if I told them (about my history with Alex). Actually Alex was last minute eh. There was already a girl but she couldn’t push through with the project and we were already shooting the film and they were looking for a girl and she just came in right away. I thought it would be hard (working together) but Alex and I we’ve remained friends and I know her boyfriend also. The boyfriend is a good friend also so we respect each other and we draw boundaries. Na-meet na rin siya ni Sarah. Because Alex is the pamangkin of tito Martin Nievera so he’s like my mentor so pag may mga gatherings minsan we’re together,” he said.

During the presscon, Matteo assured the media that his latest team up onscreen did not cause any problems in this relationship. 'Okay naman. Ayos naman. Sana mapanuod niya. Hindi naman siya magseselos. Mag-shu-shoot naman siya ng pelikula ngayon eh so sana kapag libre siya she can come watch. I’m happy for her. They’re going to have another film with John Lloyd [Cruz],” he said.

The Fil-Italianan actor also said he is proud of Sarah’s newfound freedom. 'Hindi naman sa pagbago niya kundi sa pag-mature niya kumbaga. She’s 28 and she’s matured a lot. It’s time naman. Everybody matures and everybody starts to become independent. I believe she’s becoming an independent person. It’s good for herself,” he added.

Across the Crescent Moon also stars Christopher De Leon, Dina Bonnevie, Gabby Concepcion, Sandy Andolong, Joem Bascon, Jerico Estregan, Ivan Carapiet, Leo Martinez, Rex Cortez, Jackie Aquino, Ku Aquino, Garie Concepcion, and Jerene Tan. It is directed by Baby R. Nebrida and is produced under Gold Barn International.