HAMPTONS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL: THE DEBUT

105 min • Narrative Feature • USA • 2026 Academy Award® nominee Jesse Eisenberg (A REAL PAIN, HIFF 2024) returns with a playful love letter to the vibrant, larger-than-life world of community theater. When Mona Friedman (Academy Award winner Julianne Moore) is cast in a bit part at her local theater, she transforms from a shy, unassuming housewife into a zealous method actor willing to do anything to protect the artistic integrity of her marginal role--even if it means waging war against the show's domineering director (Academy Award nominee Paul Giamatti). Through plenty of heart and laugh-out-loud performances, THE DEBUT celebrates the transformative miracle of the creative process. An A24 release. A Q&A is expected to follow the screening. All talent attendance subject to change. FILMMAKERS & CAST Director: Jesse Eisenberg Producer: Emma Stone, Dave McCary, Ali Herting, Jesse Eisenberg Executive Producer: Michael Bloom, Ian Stratford, Ryan Heller, Jasmine Daghighian, Jennifer Booth, Kevin Kelly Screenwriter: Jesse Eisenberg Language: English Cast: Julianne Moore, Paul Giamatti, Halle Bailey, Jesse Eisenberg, Cara Buono, Craig Bierko, Eldar Isgandarov, Bernadette Peters Run Time: 105 minutes