A year after her father’s death, high school senior Lydia Gilbert finds herself directionless. Everying changes, however, when she stumbles upon an epic screenplay for a ridiculous space opera—written by her dad. With zero experience, a VHS camera, and next to nothing for a budget, she decides to honor her father by turning his final script into a full-fledged movie. Led by a sprightly Isabel May and featuring Miles Gutierrez-Riley and Missi Pyle, The Moon and Back is a heartfelt dramedy about the joy of filmmaking and an exploration of loss and legacy. Filmed in November of 2020 with a micro budget and an abbreviated shooting schedule, it is a labor of love that showcases the creative possibilities of independent cinema.

The Moon and Back is the directorial debut of UCSB Film and Media Studies alumnus Leah Bleich. The Carsey-Wolf Center is proud to welcome Leah back to campus for a post-screening discussion of her film with moderator Ross Melnick (Film and Media Studies, UCSB).