Official Trailer for the Heartfelt ‘Familiar Touch’ Featuring Kathleen Chalfant

“We’re just going to take this step by step…” Music Box Films has unveiled the official trailer for Familiar Touch, a touching indie drama that marks the feature directorial debut of filmmaker Sarah Friedland. This film is a must-see, having garnered accolades such as Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Debut Film in the Orizzonti section at the 2024 Venice Film Festival. It has also been showcased at prestigious events including the Vancouver, London, Tromso, Singapore, and AFI Fest Film Festivals. Familiar Touch is a poignant coming-of-age story that explores the life of an older woman grappling with memory loss, led by the exceptional performance of Tony nominee Kathleen Chalfant as Ruth. Collaborating closely with residents of a retirement community, the film challenges stereotypes about aging and sensitively portrays the intricacies of intimacy and desire in later life. The narrative follows octogenarian Ruth as she navigates her evolving memories and desires, all while grounded in her wise perspective. The cast also includes Carolyn Michelle, Andy McQueen, and H. Jon Benjamin as her son. This beautifully crafted trailer encapsulates the film’s heartwarming essence.

Check out the first official trailer for Sarah Friedland’s Familiar Touch, directly from YouTube:

Ruth (Kathleen Chalfant), a retired cook, begins her day in a bright and inviting kitchen, preparing a familiar breakfast. However, small, perplexing mistakes disrupt her routine. When her son (H. Jon Benjamin) arrives for dinner, she mistakenly believes he is a suitor. Their “date” leads them to an assisted living facility that Ruth does not recall choosing. Among her fellow residents, Ruth feels disoriented, convinced she is in a place where she doesn’t belong. As she gradually embraces the warmth and support from caregivers Vanessa (Carolyn Michelle) and Brian (Andy McQueen), she discovers new ways to connect with her body, even as her mind embarks on its own journey. Familiar Touch is both written and directed by American filmmaker Sarah Friedland, who makes her feature directorial debut after a series of short films. Produced by Alexandra Byer, Sarah Friedland, and Matthew Thurm, the film premiered at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, winning Best Director and Best Actress awards. Music Box Films will release Familiar Touch in select U.S. theaters, starting with NYC’s Film Forum on June 20th, 2025. For more information, visit the film’s official site.

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