RENTAL FAMILY
Brendan Fraser gets Lost in Translation in a heartwarming tale of a struggling American actor searching for a connection in Tokyo.
OPENING FILM
In Tokyo’s neon-lit maze of precise rituals and private distance, a washed-up American actor stumbles into a peculiar job: playing surrogate relatives for strangers in need of emotional connection. As he becomes a father, husband, and friend to people he barely knows, the lines between performance and reality begin to blur as he slowly begins to rediscover his own humanity.
Rental Family is a tender, life affirming drama, with Fraser (Oscar winner in 2023 for The Whale) excelling in a role that explores loneliness, chosen family, and the strange intimacy of pretending.
The film will be introduced by Japanese chef, Yuri Lewis of Kotokoto, who will bring a traditional flavour of Japan for you to savour and will host a discussion about the film after the screening.
Take a deeper dive into the quirky side of Japanese culture with this captivating collection of Japanese films playing during the festival.
“A love letter to loneliness” — Entertainment Weekly.
“An unconventional, endearing crowd pleaser” — Screen Daily
“It’s a heartwarming film that asks thoughtful questions, and I promise you won’t be disappointed by its answers” — Screen Rant
Sat 18 Oct 2pm
Sun 19 Oct 1pm
Director: HIKARI
Cast: Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto, Shannon Gorman, Akira Emoto
Running Time: 110 min
Year: 2025
Country: USA / Japan
Languages: English, Japanese
Recomended Age12+
