Familiar Touch
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Alexandra Byer
- Matthew Thurm
- Sarah Friedland
| Familiar Touch | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Sarah Friedland |
| Written by | Sarah Friedland |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Gabe C. Elder |
| Edited by |
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Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Music Box Films |
Release dates |
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Running time | 91 minutes[1] |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $691,298[2][3] |
Familiar Touch is a 2024 American drama film, written and directed by Sarah Friedland. It stars Kathleen Chalfant, Carolyn Michelle Smith, Andy McQueen and H. Jon Benjamin.
Familiar Touch had its world premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2024, where it won the Lion of the Future, and the Orizzonti section Best Director and Best Actress prizes.[4] It was released in the United States on June 20, 2025, by Music Box Films, to critical acclaim.
Billed as a coming of (old) age film, Familiar Touch follows an octogenarian woman (Kathleen Chalfant) as she transitions to life in assisted living contending with her relationship to herself and her caregivers while dealing with cognitive decline.[5]
Cast
- Kathleen Chalfant as Ruth
- Carolyn Michelle Smith as Vanessa
- Andy McQueen as Brian
- H. Jon Benjamin as Steve
Production
Principal photography took place at the Villa Gardens retirement community in Pasadena, California, with residents participating in a filmmaking workshop and acting in the film.[6][7] Residents made their own biographical films, and only after everyone had been immersed in the experience, they became cast and crew in the feature. Although the film is about dementia, Friedland did not film the residents in the community's memory care wing, due to ethical considerations about their ability to give consent, so some roles (including the lead) were played by professional actors.[8]
Release & awards
Familiar Touch had its world premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2024.[9]
In December 2024, Music Box Films acquired distribution rights to the film.[10] It was released on June 20, 2025.[11]