The deeply personal documentary The Slightest Touch captures the enduring 16-year friendship between Hollywood actor Colin Farrell and Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) advocate Emma Fogarty. Directed by Rachel Fleit, the film made its world premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival on October 14, 2026, before securing global distribution with HBO Documentary Films. The feature chronicles Fogarty marking her milestone 40th birthday-an age medical professionals once predicted she would never reach-by taking on the Dublin Marathon alongside Farrell, who pushed her wheelchair for the final four grueling kilometres.
The Origins of a Remarkable 16-Year Friendship
Fogarty and Farrell first crossed paths 16 years ago at a charity event organized for DEBRA, the national charity supporting individuals affected by EB. Over the years, their bond evolved into a grounded, humorous, and deeply trusting relationship. Fogarty has often described their dynamic affectionately as resembling an old married couple who frequently bicker and share inside jokes, built entirely on mutual respect and unwavering emotional support.
The documentary goes beyond public appearances to highlight how Farrell stood by Fogarty through intense personal hurdles, including the amputation of her leg in 2019. Rather than focusing solely on tragedy, The Slightest Touch highlights laughter, normal family life, and the strength found in genuine human connection. Viewers witness how Farrell routinely checked in not just on Fogarty’s physical condition, but on her mental well-being.
Conquering the 2024 Dublin Marathon Challenge
The central narrative anchor of the documentary is the pair’s courageous participation in the 2024 Dublin Marathon. What initially began as a casual suggestion by Farrell to celebrate Fogarty’s 40th birthday transformed into a massive national fundraising campaign. Their October 2024 appearance on The Late Late Show sparked widespread public attention, ultimately raising over €1 million for DEBRA.
Navigating the bustling streets of Dublin required absolute trust. Fogarty directed Farrell through potholes, bumps, and crowds from her wheelchair, ensuring they crossed the finish line together. The raw footage captures the tension, relief, and sheer joy of completing the final four kilometres, symbolizing Fogarty’s four decades of battling a painful genetic condition.
Raising Global Awareness for Epidermolysis Bullosa
Epidermolysis Bullosa is a rare and excruciatingly painful genetic skin condition that causes the skin to blister and tear at the slightest friction. Because of the severity of her form of EB, Fogarty is the oldest living person in Ireland with the condition. Her daily routine requires exhaustive two-to-four-hour bandage changes handled meticulously with the help of her parents.
Through the global reach of HBO, The Slightest Touch brings unprecedented visibility to EB. Fogarty, who also published her autobiography Being Emma: Living My Best Life with Butterfly Skin, hopes the film will educate the public, drive research funding, and ultimately work toward a future where specialized medical care is fully accessible and rare diseases like EB are eradicated entirely.
Behind the Scenes and Production Details
Directed by Rachel Fleit, whose previous work includes the HBO Max documentary Bama Rush, The Slightest Touch was produced by Fine Point Films and Chapel Place Productions. It received backing from an array of prominent entities including The Kennedy/Marshall Company, Original Films, Deshe Capital LLC, The deNovo Initiative, Union Editorial, Northern Ireland Screen, and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland.
Production allowed cameras into intimate spaces, capturing everyday moments in Los Angeles and Ireland. Farrell opened up aspects of his personal life, including his home and time with his sons Henry and James, while balancing his filming schedule for Ballad of a Small Player. Both Fogarty and Farrell praised Fleit for maintaining a gentle, empathetic approach that honored their authentic bond rather than leaning into superficial celebrity culture.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Slightest Touch and Emma Fogarty
What is The Slightest Touch documentary about?
The Slightest Touch chronicles the 16-year friendship between actor Colin Farrell and EB advocate Emma Fogarty, focusing on their journey to complete the 2024 Dublin Marathon together to raise awareness and funds for DEBRA.
Who directed The Slightest Touch?
The documentary is directed by filmmaker Rachel Fleit, known for her previous work on the HBO Max documentary Bama Rush.
Where can I watch The Slightest Touch?
Following its premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival, HBO Documentary Films acquired worldwide rights to broadcast and stream the film on platforms including HBO Max.
What is Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB)?
Epidermolysis Bullosa is a rare, painful genetic condition that causes skin to be extremely fragile, blistering and tearing at the slightest touch. Emma Fogarty is the oldest living person in Ireland with her severe form of the condition.
How much money was raised by the Dublin Marathon challenge?
Through their participation in the 2024 Dublin Marathon and subsequent media appearances, Colin Farrell and Emma Fogarty raised over €1 million for the EB charity DEBRA.
