AFI FEST: RENTAL FAMILY Screening & Talk with HIKARI
Category: Events Calendar
Date and Time
- Thursday, Oct 23, 2025 6:15pm - 9:15pm
Location
TCL Chinese Theatre
6925 Hollywood Blvd
Details
From HIKARI, the acclaimed director of the Netflix series BEEF (2023), starring Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, comes RENTAL FAMILY, a visually striking Japanese film that explores the modern concept of family through a professional “rental family” service. This intimate and thought-provoking story examines human connection, belonging, and the inventive ways people navigate loneliness, offering a deeply introspective perspective that contrasts with HIKARI’s fast-paced comedy work.
This film screening celebrates contemporary Japanese storytelling and its cross-cultural resonance, highlighting HIKARI’s versatility as a filmmaker. She transitions from the dark comedy and fast-paced storytelling of BEEF to a culturally nuanced, intimate Japanese narrative with RENTAL FAMILY, marking a return to her roots in Japanese filmmaking. The film offers a deeply introspective perspective that bridges personal experience and broader cultural narratives, inviting audiences to reflect on universal themes of identity, empathy, and the bonds that shape our lives—demonstrating how contemporary Japanese cinema resonates across cultures.
Following the screening, join a live discussion with HIKARI to gain insight into her artistic vision, narrative choices, and approach to global filmmaking. RENTAL FAMILY bridges tradition and modernity, personal experience and shared understanding, exemplifying the power of contemporary Japanese cinema to connect audiences worldwide.
Discover inspiring voices, from master filmmakers to emerging talent, and enjoy 20% off Japanese films, including RENTAL FAMILY, using code DragonAAFI2025.
Fee: $19
