Film Independent Members, you and a guest are invited to join us for a theatrical screening of Rental Family, including an in-person conversation with writer/director HIKARI, and producers Eddie Vaisman and Julia Lebedev, moderated by Francisco Velasquez (Film Independent Artist Development).

HIKARI is a Film Independent Fellow who participated in Screenwriting Lab in 2016, and Directing Lab and Fast Track in 2017.

Set in modern-day Tokyo, Rental Family follows an American actor (Brendan Fraser) who struggles to find purpose until he lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese “rental family” agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. As he immerses himself in his clients’ worlds, he begins to form genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality. Confronting the moral complexities of his work, he rediscovers purpose, belonging and the quiet beauty of human connection.

From Searchlight Pictures, the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and will be released on November 21.

 
2025, 103 minutes, color | Written by HIKARI, Stephen Blahut | Directed by HIKARI | Main Cast Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto, Shannon Gorman, Akira Emoto | Produced by Eddie Vaisman, Julia Lebedev, HIKARI, Shin Yamaguchi | Executive Produced by Jennifer Semler, Tomo Koizumi, Stephen Blahut, Leonid Lebedev, Brendan Fraser, Oren Moverman
 

Registration Information

Film Lover Members receive priority entry at this event. Arts Circle Members are guaranteed access, and receive both priority entry and reserved seating. Email membership@filmindependent.org for more.

All Film Independent Members can register for this event starting at 1:00 pm PT on Monday, November 10. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required to complete registration.
 

Tickets/Parking

On the day of the event, registered Members may pick up tickets as early as 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time – look for Film Independent signage. Tickets are nontransferable and for general, unreserved theater seating only (except for Arts Circle Members). Attendees must be in their seat(s) at least 15 minutes prior to the advertised start time or seat(s) may be released. Entry/seating will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests may not enter the venue without the Member who registered them present. Registration does not guarantee entry, even with a ticket in hand.

The first three hours of parking are free with validation from AMC.
 

Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.
 

Screening Policies

Availability window and registration capacity may vary; always register as early as possible. Limit one registration per individual, per event.

Attendees are required to follow all rules and guidelines as laid out by Film Independent and/or its partners. If a guest has been registered for an event by a Member, these policies shall apply to that guest. Violation of policies may result in suspension or termination of Membership/access to future events.

Event details and guest participation are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.