"Friedland’s film, as sharp as it is soft, conveys both the terror of losing the life you recognize, and the intermittent, fragmented joy of finding it again." - Guy Lodge, Variety
"What Friedland keenly understands is the power of what’s unsaid, how memories can tie themselves to sound, smell, and touch too, and how sometimes those are the last to go." - Brian Tallerico, RogerEbert.com
Opens June 27 | At the start of Sarah Friedland’s stunning FAMILIAR TOUCH, octogenarian Ruth (Kathleen Chalfant) welcomes a visitor, her son Steve (H. Jon Benjamin), for a meal at her home. When she brightly asks him, “What do you do?”, eager to get to know her new companion, and speaks of her dead husband as if he were still living, we understand the grief behind Steve’s eyes. Ruth’s entrance to an assisted-living facility, where her mind embarks on an extraordinary journey, begins Ruth’s life anew. Without an ounce of condescension, FAMILIAR TOUCH creates a compassionate and remarkable portrait of a woman experiencing profound change. Siskel Film Center exclusive.
We want to ensure that older adults and their caregivers have the chance to see FAMILIAR TOUCH in theaters together. Thanks to the generous support of Simbelle Productions, we have 100 free companion tickets to give away to these guests. During the run of FAMILIAR TOUCH, on screenings presented Monday through Thursday, mention promo code "COMPANION" at the box office to add one free companion ticket to any purchased ticket. Can be redeemed in person only; subject to availability.
Awards & Nominations
Winner - Best Debut Film, Luigi De Laurentiis Award, Venice Film Festival
Winner - Best Actress (Kathleen Chalfant), Best Director, Horizons Award, Venice Film Festival
Winner - Someone to Watch Award, Film Independent Spirit Awards
Winner - Best Fiction, New Directors Competition, São Paulo International Film Festival
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu