The heartwarming and thought-provoking story of Rental Family is announced to be the American Express Gala at the BFI London Film Festival.
The American Express Gala at the 69th BFI London Film Festival is the UK premiere of Rental Family. Directed by Hikari (37 Seconds and Beef) and starring Brendan Fraser. Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto, Shannon Mahina Gorman and Akira Emoto. The film will be screened on 16 October at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall and cinemas around the UK. Director Hikari and star Brendan Fraser are expected to attend.
PREMISE
Set against 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.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Searchlight Pictures presents RENTAL FAMILY. Directed, co-written and produced by HIKARI (“Beef”, “Tokyo Vice”, 37 Seconds). The film stars Academy Award® and Screen Actors Guild award winner Brendan Fraser (The Whale, The Mummy, Encino Man) with a supporting cast that includes Emmy® nominee Takehiro Hira (“Shogun”). Mari Yamamoto (“Pachinko,” “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters”). Akira Emoto (Lovers Lost, Shin Godzilla, Dr. Akagi) and newcomer Shannon Gorman. With a screenplay by HIKARI and Stephen Blahut (37 Seconds).
The film is produced by Sight Unseen Pictures’ Julia Lebedev (Dear White People, Bad Education) and Eddie Vaisman (Wildlife, A Thousand and One). As well as Knockonwood’s Shin Yamaguchi (37 Seconds, Spirit World). Jennifer Semler (A Real Pain, Theater Camp). Tomo Koizumi, Blahut. Leonid Lebedev (Bad Education). Fraser and Oren Moverman (The Messenger, Love & Mercy) are executive producers.
HIKARI STATEMENT
“I feel so humbled and honoured to return to the 2025 BFI London Film Festival with my second feature, Rental Family, and with a gala presentation! While it’s inspired by a real, and sometimes unusual, business in Japan, it’s ultimately about people longing for connection, and discovering the meaning of true friendship in modern Tokyo. I hope Rental Family offers a bit of escapism to Japan and a few laughs!”
Hikari, director of Rental Family
KRISTY MATHESON
Kristy Matheson, BFI London Film Festival Director, said:
“Following the acclaimed 37 Seconds and the subversive, roller coaster ride of Beef, we are excited to bring writer-director Hikari’s latest comedy-drama Rental Family to the BFI London Film Festival as our American Express Gala. Brendan Fraser is set to steal movie fans’ hearts once more with his stunning central performance in a film that explores the complexity of human relations with huge generosity and wit.”
BEHIND THE CAMERAS
Joining filmmaker HIKARI behind the camera are director of photography Takurô Ishizaka (All of Us Strangers, Snake Eyes). Production designers Norihiro Asoda (The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi) and Masako Takayama (“Tokyo Vice”). Editors Alan Baumgarten and Thomas A. Kruger. Composers Jónsi and Alex Somers. Costume designer Meg Mochizuki (37 Seconds). Makeup department head Hiromi Momose (Like Father, Like Son), and casting directors Kei Kawamura and Yumi Takada.
Rental Family will be in cinemas in January 2026.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
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