The American Express Gala at the 69th BFI London Film Festival is the UK premiere of Rental Family

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.

In the heartwarming and thought-provoking story about human connection and purpose in modern Tokyo, Fraser portrays an American actor who takes on an unusual role at a Japanese “rental family” agency. As he immerses himself in his clients’ lives, the lines between performance and reality begin to blur, leading to an emotional journey of rediscovering belonging and the beauty of human connection.

‘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!’