69th BFI London Film Festival To Feature Searchlight Pictures’ “Rental Family”

Later this year, London will host the 69th BFI London Film Festival, which takes place from 8th to 19th October at various locations across the capital. 

It’s been announced that this year’s American Express Gala will be the UK premiere of the upcoming Searchlight Pictures movie, “Rental Family”.   The premiere will happen at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall on Thursday, 16 October, with director HIKARI and star Brendan Fraser expected to attend.

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.

“Rental Family” is produced by Eddie Vaisman, Julie Lebedev (Sight Unseen), HIKARI and Shin Yamaguchi. It has been directed and co-written by HIKARI (37 SECONDS, BEEF).  The film stars Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto, Shannon Mahina Gorman and Akira Emoto. 

Director of  “Rental Family”, HIKARI, said in a 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!” 

Kristy Matheson, BFI London Film Festival Director, added:

“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 hugegenerosity and wit.”  

The full 69th BFI London Film Festival programme will be revealed on Wednesday 3 September 2025, with tickets on sale from 16 September (BFI Members book early). 

The movie will be released in cinemas in January 2026 and will head to Disney+ at a later date.   The movie will also be released in cinemas in the United States in November.

Are you looking forward to watching “Rental Family”?  Let me know on social media!