Film Screening and Fireside Chat Featuring Simbelle Productions Founder and Alzheimer’s Orange County CEO.
NEWPORT BEACH, CA — September 28, 2026— Familiar Touch, the award-winning film by Sarah Friedland, will screen at The Lido Theater on November 18th, 2026. The screening will be followed by a fireside chat featuring Simbelle Productions founder Lauren Melinda and Alzheimer’s Orange County President and CEO Jim McAleer. The two will discuss the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease, its effects on patients, family members and communities, and the impact of seeing an Alzheimer’s story on screen. Familiar Touch is a coming of (old) age film. It follows an octogenarian woman’s transition to life in assisted living as she contends with her conflicting relationship to herself and her caregivers amidst her shifting memory, age identity, and desires. Written and directed by Sarah Friedland, the film premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, where it won the Luigi de Laurentis Lion of the Future Award for best debut feature. Friedland also won the Orizzonti section’s Best Director award, and the film has continued to receive high praise in publications such as Vogue, The Guardian and IndieWire.
Press & Media Opportunities:
- Attend and cover the screening and fireside chat
Visual assets and additional information here.
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About Simbelle Productions
Simbelle Productions is a non-profit film production company dedicated to empowering women through authentic, emotionally resonant storytelling. The organization focuses on amplifying diverse women’s experiences to foster understanding and hope. Through film projects, community initiatives, and partnerships, Simbelle Productions champions stories that inspire dialogue and challenge cultural norms.
About Alzheimer’s Orange County
Alzheimer’s Orange County provides programs and services that span the continuum of care of Alzheimer’s and related forms of dementia to Orange County, California residents living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, including older adults and frail seniors, along with their families, caregivers, and the community. Alzheimer’s Orange County began as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1982 with a primary mission of providing care and support for those impacted with dementia and their caregivers in Orange County. Alzheimer’s is a devastating neurodegenerative illness that weakens the memory and other cognitive and emotional functions. For more information, call the Helpline at 844-373-4400, or visit www.alzoc.org. Find Alzheimer’s Orange County on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Press Contact:
Alette Segerstrom at alette@simbelleproductions.com | +1 (949) 423-5893
