Familiar Touch

Familiar Touch

About the event

Ruth - an older woman living alone - is experiencing the onset of dementia. When her son moves her to an assisted living facility, Ruth is frustrated by the limited freedom. However, she is determined to make the most out of the situation - including bringing her cooking skills to the facility’s kitchen and befriending her caregivers. Despite her cognitive decline, Ruth seeks out moments of satisfaction, connection and affection in her new surroundings.

Sarah Friedland’s debut feature is a remarkable and sensitive film. It is elegant, gentle and often surprisingly funny, deeply concerned with Ruth’s inner and sensory life. Kathleen Chalfant is simply extraordinary - through her performance, Ruth becomes a fully-fleshed out person overflowing with life and personality.

Festivals:

Venice Film Festival, 2024

Awards:

Winner - Best Director and Best Actress, Venice Film Festival 2024 (Horizons strand)

Reviews:

“A still, gentle film about the ravages of time told with uncommon grace and dignity.” - Jarrod Jones, Paste Magazine

“Familiar Touch is a breathtaking feature directorial debut from Friedland, who comes right out of the gate with an assured narrative voice.” - RogerEbert.com, Jourdain Searles

“Without straining the importance of any scene, Chalfant puts on a performance master class… There’s not an ounce of spectacle in her turn, yet her work still registers seismically throughout.” - Marshall Shaffer, Slant Magazine

Dir: Sarah Friedland

Starring: Kathleen Chalfant, H. Jon Benjamin, Rafael Hernandez, Florinda Medina

Film info: 2024. 92 mins. USA. CLUB TBC (IFCO) / 12A (BBFC)

English language

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