Naomi Watts and Matt Dillon attend the world premiere of their new film "Sunlight Jr." at the Tribeca Film Festival.

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (APRIL 20, 2013) (TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL) - Female directors are making their mark at this year's Tribeca Film Festival, crafting entries from psychological thrillers to the love story "Sunlight Jr." by Laurie Collyer.

Academy Award winning actress Jodie Foster made a rare public appearance on the red carpet at the premiere.

In the film Watts plays a store clerk who unexpected pregnancy challenges her relationship with her paraplegic boyfriend, portrayed by Dillon.

"This story is sort of the opposite to the American dream. We don't get to see that that much, you know, these people are really going through tough times. But they manage to make the most of it and survive. And I understand stories of survival. Those are the ones I'm always interested in no matter what shape of form they come in," Watts said.

On the red carpet Dillon said it was only fitting that the film makes its debut in the 'Big Apple'.

"We're all from New York, you know. Laurie the director, myself, Naomi lives in New York. So this is a good spot for it," Dillon said.

The 12-day film festival will run until April 28th.