The annual New York International Latino Film Festival recently opened in Chelsea with a new film, "The Dry Land," which is the story of a soldier returning from the Iraq War to his wife, who is played by America Ferrera of "Ugly Betty" fame.

Ferrera not only starred but also was the executive producer, and the film was written and directed by her fiance, Ryan Piers Williams.

George Whipple: Your fiance wrote and directed it. America, how does that work? "Honey, will you please so my movie? And you're overacting today." How does that work?

Ferrera: You know, when it came down to it, I really felt like I could really serve him as an executive producer and be his second pair of eyes. I felt like I understood him and I could protect that vision and protect the integrity of it. It wasn't until a lot further down the line that I signed on to act in it. We had offered the role some of our friends, and we didn't ever think that I would be part of it. And the way the timing all worked out, I had grown really close to the script and the character, and it just all felt very natural.

Ryan O'Nan portrays Ferrera's husband.

"We're in a war, regardless of what you think about that, regardless of what I think about that. My real question is, how do we support [the troops] when they come home?" says O'Nan. "Hopefully this film for me is an opportunity, a chance to make these people feel a little less alone."

Wilmer Valderrama plays the best friend of O'Nan.

"Let's just say it was very exciting to read something that had zero political agenda. We finally really talked and made up appreciate and understand the sacrifices as a member of the [U.S.] Armed Forces," says Valderrama.

Williams says soldiers have already responded positively to the film.

"We showed it at Fort Carson recently to about 400 active-duty soldiers and there were cheers in the audience," says Williams. "And 100 men and women lined up and came up to us and talked about how the movie related to their experience and their buddy's experience, and it was very emotional."

The New York International Latino Film Festival runs through Sunday, August 1. "The Dry Land" also opens in selected theaters that same Sunday.