Sarah Friedland interview on Familiar Touch at Red Sea Film Festival 2024: Redefining aging & embracing embodied expression
Sarah Friedland introduces us to Familiar Touch, a film that redefines the narrative of ageing. Friedland discusses the genesis of the project, inspired by her grandmother's dementia and her own experiences as a caregiver. She explains her intention to shift perspectives on ageing, using the coming-of-age genre to explore the fluidity of age identity through the story of Ruth, an octogenarian confronting life in a care facility. Friedland emphasises the film’s aim to challenge ageism and to foster a deeper understanding of the elderly's desires and frustrations.
Friedland shares insights into the film’s visual approach, developed with longtime collaborators Gabe Belder and Stephanie Cohen, with the goal of offering a tactile and embodied perspective that mirrors Ruth’s sensory experiences. She describes the dynamic of working with a mix of professional actors and real residents of a care facility, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere this blend created on set.
Reflecting on the universal themes of Familiar Touch, Friedland expresses her joy at the film's reception, particularly the connection it built with a diverse audience in Saudi Arabia, underscoring the power of specific, personal stories to resonate globally. As she considers the future, Friedland reveals her commitment to creating character-driven, humanist dramas that continue to explore the grammar of movement and the body.
Familiar Touch emerges not just as a film but as a poignant call to re-evaluate our perceptions of ageing, memory, and the enduring strength of human connection.
Interviewer: Elizaveta Kolesova
Editing: Olivia Barker
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