**Liz Sargent’s Film “Take Me Home” Set to Premiere in New York and Los Angeles**
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Filmmaker Liz Sargent is poised to make her feature directorial debut with the upcoming film “Take Me Home,” which will be released in New York City on 23 September and in Los Angeles on 7 October. This poignant drama features her sister, Anna Sargent, in a leading role and has already garnered recognition at the Sundance Film Festival and other prestigious events.
“Take Me Home,” which initially started as a short film, was unveiled at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. The project earned the Grand Jury Prize at the American Cinematheque PROOF Film Festival in 2024. The film is an expansion of the original short, providing a deeper exploration of the themes introduced in the initial work.
Winning acclaim for her screenplay, Liz Sargent received a screenwriting award at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. The narrative follows Anna, a 38-year-old Korean adoptee navigating the complexities of life with a cognitive disability. As a caregiver for her ageing parents in suburban Florida, Anna’s life becomes increasingly challenging when a severe heat wave disrupts her family’s routine and uncovers her father’s dementia.
The film’s official synopsis notes that Anna’s struggles underscore the inadequacies of the American healthcare system, pressing her to seek autonomy and independence amidst familial obligations. Liz described this cinematic journey as intimate and deeply vulnerable, expressing her desire to share the fears and aspirations of her family through this work.
Reflecting on the film’s inception, Liz recounted the challenges that arise when supporting a family member with disabilities. “This project emerged from my thoughts on the systemic barriers Anna faces,” she stated in a recent interview. Anna’s portrayal is designed to encapsulate her vibrant personality and the depth of her emotions, even amid her challenges.
The cast of “Take Me Home” includes prominent actors such as Ali Ahn, Victor Slezak, Marceline Hugot, and Shane Harper. Liz’s own background as an adoptee in a large family—comprised of biological and adopted siblings, many of whom have disabilities—heavily influenced the film’s narrative. Describing her upbringing, she noted the ever-present chaos and the invaluable lessons learned from a life spent in a household dedicated to caregiving.
“The anxiety surrounding Anna’s future was a central inspiration for the screenplay,” said Liz. “I often found myself pondering our duties to one another as our parents age.” This contemplation reflects a broader societal question regarding familial responsibility and the frameworks needed to support individuals with disabilities.
Throughout the filming process, Anna Sargent was supported by an acting coach, which helped her engage with the film’s themes more authentically. Liz remarked on the “autobiographical script” as a unique advantage, facilitating a mutual understanding of the family dynamics at play.
Highlighting Anna’s personal growth during production, Liz emphasised the importance of providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to experience growth and independence. “It is vital that disabled people are afforded the dignity of risk—to explore new avenues, face obstacles, and achieve remarkable successes,” she stated.
“Take Me Home” is aimed at a universal audience, particularly those navigating complex familial relationships. Liz commented, “If you love someone, the likelihood is that you will find yourself in a caregiving role at some point.” The film seeks to resonate with viewers, fostering awareness around the urgent need for improved healthcare and support systems for disabled individuals and their families.
The premiere of “Take Me Home” in New York’s IFC Center on 23 September is highly anticipated, with its subsequent showing at the Los Feliz 3 cinema in Los Angeles on 7 October, followed by a wider release across select theatres in the United States. Liz Sargent’s heartfelt narrative promises to spark important conversations surrounding caregiving, disability, and community, marking her debut as a filmmaker with both personal and social significance.