"Masterson, like many actors, is an assured director even in her debut; working with her brother Pete as cinematographer, she creates a spell and a tenderness and pushes exactly as far as this story should go." (Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun Times)

THE CAKE EATERS
Award-winning actress Mary Stuart Masterson makes her feature directorial debut with this quirky, small town drama that explores the lives of two interconnected families as they confront old ghosts and discover love in the face of devastating loss.  Award-winning and critically acclaimed, and produced in New York's Hudson Valley, “The Cake Eaters” is intricately woven and powerfully poignant, featuring a standout performance by Kristen Stewart and a brilliant ensemble cast including Aaron Stanford, Bruce Dern, Elizabeth Ashley, Talia Balsam, Jesse L. Martin and Melissa Leo.

 “I am really excited to have ‘The Cake Eaters’ as the tentpole release for 7-57 Releasing and their new distribution model.  In this marketplace of dwindling opportunities for independent films, specialized releases seem to make the most sense," said Director Mary Stuart Masterson.

SYNOPSIS:
"Coming of Age" is not the exclusive domain of the young, as evidenced in Mary Stuart Masterson's sensitive story of the intertwining lives and loves portrayed in "The Cake Eaters". Young and old learn lessons of love and acceptance. Steeped in longing and sensuality, the sun beats down on young Georgia Kaminski as she leans against a car, her rag-doll body afflicted with Friedreich's Ataxia, a neurological disorder. This moment, midway through this wise and gentle character study set in a sleepy, Hudson Valley farming community, encapsulates the inner lives and secret passions connecting the Kimbrough and Kaminski families. Beagle Kimbrough, the nurturing younger son of newly widowed Easy (Bruce Dern), finds himself displaced by the reappearance of his brother Guy, who returns after a three-year absence and a failed career in music. Guy has a glimpse of what his life might have been had he stayed and married the woman he loved. Easy comes to terms with a secret he no longer wishes to hide, and Beagle leaves boyhood behind and earns the respect of his father. Performances by Kristen Stewart ("Twilight") as Georgia and Aaron Stanford ("X-Men") as Beagle are particularly noteworthy. (Barbara Pokras, A.C.E.)

DIRECTOR BIO:
Mary Stuart Masterson is the daughter of screenwriter, director and actor Peter Masterson and Tony Award-winning actress Carlin Glynn. She was raised in New York City and made her film debut as an actress in "The Stepford Wives" (1975) with her father. At the age of 16, Masterson appeared on Broadway in Eva LeGallienne's version of "Alice in Wonderland." Her first teenage film role was in "Heaven Help Us" (1985) followed by roles in "Some Kind of Wonderful" (1987), "Immediate Family" for which she received a National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress, "Fried Green Tomatoes" (1991) and "Benny & Joon" (1993). In 2003, Mary Stuart made her musical debut on Broadway in a revival of "Nine," which was inspired by Fellini's film "8 1/2." This role earned her the Theatre World Award and a Tony Award nomination. "The Cake Eaters" is her narrative feature directorial debut.

MAIN CREDITS:
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Aaron Stanford, Bruce Dern, Elizabeth Ashley, Jayce Bartok, Miriam Shor, Talia Balsam, Jesse L. Martin and Melissa Leo

Executive Producer(s): Patrick Morris, Carol Morris
Producer(s): Jesse Scolaro, Allen Bain, Elisa Pugliese
Director(s): Mary Stuart Masterson
Screenwriter(s): Jayce Bartok
Cinematographer(s): Pete Masterson
Editor(s): Joe Landauer
Composer(s)/Music: Duncan Sheik