by John Wildman, AFI FEST Daily News

First-time director Chad Lowe arrives for the world premiere of his film, BEAUTIFUL OHIO, November 10 at AFI FEST 2006 presented by Audi. (Photo by Michael Buckner, Getty Images)

Chad Lowe's feature film directorial debut, BEAUTIFUL OHIO, makes its world premiere at AFI FEST 2006 presented by Audi.

Starring William Hurt, Rita Wilson, Michelle Trachtenberg and David Call, the film is a caring, probing look at shifting politics of a 1970s Ohio family that counts a genius among its members.

BEAUTIFUL OHIO screens November 10, 7:00PM, and November 11, 4:15PM, at ArcLight Cinemas Hollywood.

AFI FEST Daily News: What attracted you to the material behind BEAUTIFUL OHIO?

Chad Lowe: Ethan Canin's short story Batorsag & Szerelem - from which he adapted BEAUTIFUL OHIO - was originally given to me by my producing partner Mark Burton.

Once I read it, I couldn't get the characters or the story out of my head. I really connected with their searching for themselves and the meaning of their lives during such a tumultuous time.

I was also intrigued by the idea that in the process of trying to find yourself you could do something, consciously or not, that would have a lasting effect on the rest of your life.

AFI FEST Daily News: What was most enjoyable about directing - setting up shot composition or working with actors?

Chad: I feel it's most satisfying for me as a director when I'm able to set up shots while working with the actors. More often than not, the intention of the characters and the tone of the scene will inform where and how to make the shots.

The challenge is how to accomplish this with limited time and all the other obstacles that come with production.

AFI FEST Daily News: What was the most unfortunate 1970s fashion?

Chad: I truly believe that the ability for a family like the Messermans to sit at the dinner table and to discuss art, politics and life, is a part of our culture that created a vibrant family dynamic. And it was evocative of the 1970s. It is hard for me to define this period in its fashion sense, when it was really about the thoughts and the ideas.

AFI FEST Daily News: Now that you have directed a feature film, is there anything you will do differently next time as an actor?

Chad: Experiencing the entire production process from the point of view of being the director has made me really appreciate how many people's hard work and talent it takes to make a movie.

It has, also, helped me realize that everyone on the set has put a lot of thought and energy into the execution of telling the story well before I, as the actor, step in front of the camera.

Basically, the experience of directing has made me an even more willing and able "team" player.

AFI FEST Daily News: Ohio. Beautiful or not so much?

Chad: I'm biased because I was born there and my father still lives there. But, yes, there's a real richness and beauty in the diversity that is Ohio. In the people, and the geography. And, politically, it just got a lot more beautiful!