East Hampton - Emmy nominated actress Cheryl Hines, perhaps best known as the wife of Larry David in HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" made her directorial debut with "Serious Moonlight," which premiered at the Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) on Thursday. Additionally, Hines received the RoC® Skincare's "Gold Standard Award for Female Feature Director" at a reception following the premiere at The Hedges Inn hosted by RoC® Skincare and Vogue Magazine.

Director of Programming for HIFF David Nugent attends the screening.

The film "Serious Moonlight" pays tribute to Hines' friend, the late filmmaker and actress, Adrienne Shelly, who wrote the screenplay a year prior to filming, and was brutally murdered in New York City in 2006. Shelly also wrote, co-starred in, and directed the film "Waitress" (which Hines appeared in), and that relationship prompted Shelly's husband Andy Ostroy to ask Hines to direct "Serious Moonlight." Ostroy acts as producer of the film.

Speaking with Hines at the reception in her honor following the film's premiere she stated, "I found myself constantly adjusting to the responsibility for absolutely everything when you direct a film, and that was a bit overwhelming, however, the experience was amazing."

Commenting further Hines indicated that "This film is a tribute to Adrienne. Her husband, Andy, asked me to direct and I kept saying - direct, you mean you want me to be in the film, and he kept saying 'No, I want you to direct the film.'" Hines noted that the only request Ostroy had was that the film "stick exactly to the screenplay."

Through the combination of a highly talented cast, including Meg Ryan, Timothy Hutton, Justin Long and Kristen Bell, and Shelly's witty but serious screenplay, Hines delivers a story about a woman's revenge on her unfaithful husband and the introduction of unforeseen consequences and situations that brings a serious humanity to each role.

HIFF staff member, HIFF Board Chairman Stuart Match Suna and Alec Baldwin all show support for Hines at reception following film.

The Film
"Serious Moonlight" reveals the story of a high-powered attorney (Ryan) who encounters her husband at their weekend home for what she believes will be a romantic weekend. However, her husband, brilliantly played by Hutton, is already at the house and is in the process of leaving her a note informing her that he is leaving her. When confirmed that he is leaving her for another woman (Bell) - Ryan - well Ryan just flips - and in her refusal and desperation to not only acknowledge what he is telling her, but her simple refusal to accept the situation - forces the couple to stumble into a chain of events that result in Hutton being duct-taped to a toilet; a confrontation between Ryan and Bell that had many women in the audience holding their breath; and a burglar (Long), who manages to further diminish and debase all the characters while physically wrecking the couple's 'perfect' country home.

Hines stated that "I knew Kristen and Justin and when they came on board I felt completely comfortable, and to work with Meg and Timothy just made for a great collaborative effort to get this story out there."

RoC® Skincare not only threw a great party they made sure everyone left with a nifty gift bag.

Particular mention must be paid to Hutton's performance. It is no small feat to act through more than than a third of a full length feature film taped to a toilet with only your facial expressions, dialogue and vocal intonations to aid in - ahem - revealing yourself. Hutton's performance is extraordinary and should be used as a tool in every acting class hereafter. He portrays anger, sadness, confusion, resignation, pathos and humor in what might be one of the most unflattering positions an actor has ever found themselves, and with such realistic emotions that once the initial chuckling at the setting settles, the audience is drawn in and treated to some 'serious' acting by a consummate professional whose skills are handled gracefully and knowingly in the hands of Hines as director.

The entire cast blends well together and the similarities between Ryan and Bell in both looks and characterization makes an interesting, although perhaps not intentional, point of old versus new and experimentation versus experience.

When asked if the challenge of filming almost an entire movie in just one room [in particular a bathroom] presented challenges, Hines responded "The screenplay was written that way, and that focus was intended, although it was challenging to not present a 'staged' or theatre tone to the film." According to Hines the film was shot in three weeks. Hines elicts performances that are engaging and realistic, and does so by making sure the audience is as deeply involved in the outcome of this couple's future as the characters they portray.

P.S. The ending is both surprising and disturbing - if you want to see a film with some serious performances that addresses 'what would I do' in a similar situation "Serious Moonlight" is the flick to see.

Alec Baldwin and David Nugent offer congratulations.

The Award
This is the second year RoC® Skincare, the French skincare expert and pioneer in developing retinol, has partnered with HIFF Women in Film Program to support the talent and creativity of women in film through the "Gold Standard Award for Female Feature Director." The award is now an official category of entry at this year's festival. The winner receives a $5,000 endowment to be used for an upcoming film project so that she can continue to enlighten audiences with her work.

Of the award, Hines said, "I am honored by this recognition and hope my success opens a window of opportunity for other women to accomplish their dreams and to continue to express themselves through film."

"We are delighted to partner with the Hamptons International Film Festival to award Cheryl Hines with the 'Gold Standard Award for Feature Female Director," Leslie Dreibelbis, Group Product Director of RoC® Skincare stated. "Cheryl's talent and ambition is inspiring to women everywhere."

Although Hines indicated she has no immediate plans for future directing opportunities at this time - it is hopeful that this talented lady - who is so engaging in front of a camera - get behind one again as soon as possible. Bravo! Ms. Hines.

At this time the film is slated for national release on December 4.

The spotlight was on first time director Cheryl Hines who made a thoroughly enjoyable and strong directorial debut with "Serious Moonlight" at the HIFF on Thursday.