Starring Radha Mitchell, Adam Demos, and Bart Edwards, Take My Hand is a romantic drama inspired by the true story of writer/director John Raftopoulos and his wife Claire Jensz, who lives with multiple sclerosis (MS) and serves as the film’s executive producer. The characters of Laura (Mitchell) and Michael (Demos) are based on Jensz and Raftopoulos.
The film follows Laura, an accomplished Australian woman living in London, who is diagnosed with MS at the peak of her career. After the sudden death of her husband and losing her job, she returns to Australia with her three sons. A chance reunion with a childhood sweetheart changes her life.
In honour of World MS Day on May 30 and the global ‘My Diagnosis’ theme, the film’s trailer was premiered this morning on ABC News Breakfast, following a live interview with Raftopoulos and Jensz.
In the months leading up to the release of Take My Hand, this site will feature exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, cast and crew interviews, and a heartfelt message from executive producer Claire Jensz, whose MS journey is poignantly depicted in the film. The site will also offer pre-sale tickets for Q&A screenings scheduled for August 2024 across Australia.
With MS as a central theme, Take My Hand aims to raise awareness and understanding of the disease. MS is the most common chronic neurological condition affecting young adults, often diagnosed between ages 20 to 40, and is three times more prevalent in women than men. The disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the fatty material around nerves, leading to varied symptoms as no two people experience MS the same way.
Rohan Greenland, CEO of MS Australia says, “MS Australia is excited to partner with Claire Jensz, John Raftopoulos, and the creative team behind Take My Hand. MS Australia recognises the film’s profound portrayal of MS and its potential to spark meaningful awareness within the community.”
Claire Jensz added, “John and I are so proud to be partnering with MS Australia and have our film acknowledged in this way.
“We set out to create a beautiful love story that everyone can relate to, but also what’s important to me is that audiences see it as an inspirational awareness piece that provides more of an understanding of MS.
“By releasing our trailer on World MS Day, we hope to help MS Australia emphasise the importance of early diagnosis.”
Says Blake Northfield, producer of Take My Hand and Managing Director of Bronte Pictures, “We are so thrilled to partner with MS Australia on this incredible film, based on Claire and John’s true story.
“MS Australia works tirelessly in their efforts to support research and raise awareness of this disease. Hopefully by partnering with them and through people seeing the film, we can help contribute to the cause!”.
Radha Mitchell was drawn to the role by the screenplay’s compelling originality and sincerity. She stated, “Aside from the script, which is really quite lovely, it’s the kind of writing that you can’t get through without shedding a tear because it touches the heartstrings.
“The story itself was inspiring to me. I was very interested to see a story that talks about MS in a positive way, embracing what it is.
“Playing a romantic lead who, as a result of MS, has both a speech impediment and trouble walking, yet has learned how to live with the disease and is thriving, I found this really inspiring.”
Both Mitchell and Demos collaborated closely with the real-life couple to bring authenticity to their story. Mitchell added, “I was lucky to have Claire as a reference point and collaborator. And with John directing, he had a clear sense of how to tell the story, which helped me bring authenticity to the character. I’m honoured to be a part of it because it is so personal, and they are so open about it being their story.”
The film also features Meg Fraser and Xavier Molyneux. Former Neighbours star and singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte is also featured. Key production credits include Blake Northfield as producer, Wade Muller HKSC ACS as Director of Photography, Esther Rosenberg as Production Designer, Tracey Rose Sparke as Costume Designer, Billie Weston as Hair and Make-Up Designer and casting by Greg Apps.
