Sensitive coming-of-old-age drama compassionately tells story of memories and desires
Sedona, AZ — The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Familiar Touch” showing July 4-10 at the Mary D. Fisher and Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatres.
A sensitive coming-of-old-age film, “Familiar Touch” follows an older woman’s transition into assisted living as she navigates her relationship with herself, her caregivers, and her family amidst her shifting memories and desires.
Ruth (Kathleen Chalfant), a retired cook, prepares breakfast in her sunny and cozy kitchen — a dish she seems to have made many times before, although small and puzzling errors now punctuate her comfortable routine. When her son (H. Jon Benjamin) arrives to dine with her, she mistakes him for a suitor. Their “date” takes them to an assisted living facility, which Ruth does not remember that she had previously selected for herself.
Among her fellow memory care residents, Ruth feels lost and adrift, certain she has found herself somewhere she does not belong. As she slowly begins to accept the warmth and support of care workers Vanessa (Carolyn Michelle) and Brian (Andy McQueen), she finds new ways to ground herself in her body, even as her mind embarks on a journey all its own.
Writer-director Sarah Friedland’s coming-of-old-age feature compassionately follows the winding path of octogenarian Ruth’s shifting memories and desires while remaining rooted in her sage perspective.
“Familiar Touch” will be shown at the Mary D. Fisher and Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatres July 4-10. Showtimes will be Friday and Tuesday, July 4 and 8 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday and Monday, July 5 and 7 at 3:30 p.m.; Sunday and Thursday, July 6 and 10 at 6:30 p.m.; and Wednesday, July 9 at 4:00 p.m.
Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Festival members. For tickets and more information, please call 928-282-1177. Both the theatre and film festival office are located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, in West Sedona. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.org.