HBO Documentary Films has acquired the worldwide TV and streaming rights to The Slightest Touch, an intimate new documentary exploring friendship, resilience and the power of community. The film, directed by Rachel Fleit (Bama Rush), will stream globally on HBO Max later this year, including in the UK and Ireland.
The documentary will have its world premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival in 2026, marking a significant moment for the heartfelt Irish story.
An Extraordinary Story of Friendship
At the centre of The Slightest Touch is Emma Fogarty, who lives with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare and extremely painful genetic condition that causes the skin to blister and tear at even the slightest contact. Doctors once predicted she would not live beyond her teenage years.
As Emma approaches her 40th birthday — a milestone she was never expected to reach — she accepts an offer from her long-time friend, Colin Farrell, to complete the Dublin Marathon together. Farrell pushes Emma’s wheelchair for the final miles, symbolising decades of unwavering friendship and shared strength.
The documentary follows their journey, offering an unfiltered look at their bond and the community that has rallied around them.
Rachel Fleit on Telling the Story
Director Rachel Fleit described the project as a deeply personal experience:
“Making this film brought me back, over and over, to what I think matters most in life: love, care, community, and the friendships that carry us. It was an honor to bear witness to the extraordinary bond between Emma and Colin, and I’m deeply grateful to HBO Documentary Films for helping bring this story, and its message, to audiences around the world.”
Fleit previously directed the acclaimed documentary Bama Rush, which streamed on HBO Max and sparked widespread cultural conversation.
Colin Farrell: “It’s Simply a Collage of Home Videos”
Colin Farrell — known for award-winning performances in films such as The Banshees of Inisherin — reflected on the unique nature of the project:
“I can’t think of The Slightest Touch as a film, certainly not like any film I’ve ever been a part of before. For me, it’s simply a collage of home videos, moments in time that we all shared during its making. Whatever the film is, whatever people may find it to be, we’re so grateful that our adventure, our friendships, and our shared love for each other has found a home on HBO.”
Production Credits
The Slightest Touch is presented by HBO Documentary Films and produced by Fine Point Films and Chapel Place Productions, in association with The Kennedy/Marshall Company, Original Films, Deshe Capital LLC, The deNovo Initiative, Union Editorial, Northern Ireland Screen and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland.
Rachel Fleit serves as director and producer, alongside producers Claudine Farrell, Colin Farrell, Trevor Birney, Eimhear O’Neill and Frank Marshall. Executive producers include Aly Parker, Tony Rosenthal, Alexandra Bowen, Ori Eisen, Michael Raimondi, Katherine LeBlond and the Deshe Family, with additional executive production from Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland’s Niamh Fagan.
When and Where to Watch
The Slightest Touch will debut at the 2026 Dublin International Film Festival before becoming available to stream globally on HBO Max later in the year.
You can learn more about HBO’s documentary slate at the official HBO website.
Why The Slightest Touch Matters
At its core, The Slightest Touch is more than a celebrity-backed documentary — it is a moving exploration of resilience, disability advocacy and lifelong friendship. By spotlighting Emma Fogarty’s journey with EB and her decades-long bond with Colin Farrell, the film promises to resonate far beyond the marathon finish line.
With HBO’s global platform behind it, this powerful Irish story is set to reach audiences worldwide.
