Watching Mr. Pearson Kicks Off Nationwide Grassroots Theatrical Release

The film Watching Mr. Pearson is launching across the country with a focus on local communities. It’s a heartwarming, independent project built on themes of compassion and care.

This week marks the start of a nationwide release for the film Watching Mr. Pearson. It’s a deeply moving story, and the filmmakers are trying a new approach to distribution – connecting directly with audiences and building support through local communities and personal appearances at theaters across the country.

The new film, Watching Mr. Pearson, comes from Boston-based production companies KT Pictures and Hedy Films. It’s the first movie they’re releasing in theaters, following their earlier film Imposters, which debuted at the SXSW festival. While Imposters showed the team’s ability to create exciting and visually striking stories, Watching Mr. Pearson demonstrates their core focus: making deeply human films built on understanding, connection, and real-life experiences.

Hugo Armstrong (known for his roles in Lucky and Coherence) gives a compelling and complex performance as Robert Pearson, a former famous actor struggling with memory loss. He’s joined by Sam Bullington (Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2), Zainab Jah (All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt, Only Murders in the Building), Dominika Zawada, and Luis Rizo. Together, they create a powerful cast that brings genuine emotion and depth to the film’s themes of care, identity, and what it means to connect with others.

“Watching Mr. Pearson” tells the story of Caroline and Miguel, two people caring for Robert Pearson, a talented actor who is losing his memory. Miguel prefers a practical, structured approach, while Caroline connects with Mr. Pearson by playfully recreating scenes from his life, trying to spark his memories and imagination. Their different methods create tension, and as the boundary between what’s real and what’s pretend becomes unclear, both caregivers are forced to consider the true meaning of care, especially when someone is losing their memory and sense of self.

I’m so excited about Watching Mr. Pearson! It’s not just a movie, it’s really becoming something bigger – a national movement built by people connecting with each other. The filmmakers aren’t relying on the usual ways of getting a film out there; they believe in connecting directly with audiences and letting a great story spread by word of mouth. It’s awesome to see a film that could really live on beyond just a typical release.

The film is being released with a specific focus on reaching senior centers, nurses, and organizations that care for people with memory loss, allowing it to deeply connect with those most affected by its story. Alongside this, the campaign is connecting with religious groups through the film’s themes of kindness, being present for others, and providing care, while ensuring everyone, regardless of their background, feels welcome to join the discussion.

The film’s release is also attracting attention from those who study film and media, providing a current example of how independent films can find their audience. The team’s direct approach – building relationships with theaters, partnering locally, and letting the filmmaker connect with viewers – offers a fresh and valuable lesson in reaching audiences without relying on typical distribution methods.

The filmmakers explained that this release focuses on reaching audiences wherever they are – whether it’s at a movie theater, school, senior center, or church. Their main aim is to foster connection, spark discussion, and create a meaningful shared experience for everyone.

This launch is being supported by RBL Films & PR, a company headed by Ry Levey, an experienced professional in the film industry. They focus on getting films seen by the right audiences and building meaningful connections with viewers.

The film’s creators and actors are traveling across the country. At certain showings, they’ll be there in person to introduce the film and answer questions from the audience.

  • Director and co-writer Dillon Bentlage
  • Producer and KT Pictures co-founder Brian Reilly
  • Co-writer and producer Simon Kienitz Kincade, whose Chesapeake Bay roots have shaped key regional outreach efforts
  • Additional cast appearances in select markets

These events are created to encourage thoughtful conversations and help the film connect with its audience on a deeper level.

WATCHING MR. PEARSON – THEATRICAL ROLLOUT SCHEDULE

Here’s a schedule of upcoming screenings: April 9-12 in Bethel, CT; April 10 in Seymour, CT (with a Q&A); April 11 in Madison, CT; April 12 in Mystic, CT; April 13 in New Canaan, CT; April 14-15 in Hartford, CT; April 17-23 in Rehoboth Beach, DE and Irvington, VA; April 19-21 in Somerville, MA; April 26 in Dennis, MA; April 29 in Greenfield, MA; May 9-10 in Santa Fe, NM and The Villages, FL; May 16-17 in New Orleans, LA; May 24 in New Paltz, NY; May 30 in Encino, CA; May 31 in Los Angeles, CA; and June 4 in San Francisco, CA.

Additional markets to be announced.

Screenings, tickets, and community engagement details:
www.watchingmrpearson.com/screenings

Read More

2026-04-07 10:39