Behind the scenes with Take My Hand filmmakers

MORE than six years after he began penning their love story, John Raftopoulos and his wife Claire Jensz are excited to finally reveal a special advance preview of the film Take My Hand in Byron Bay next weekend.

The couple, who live at Coopers Shoot, worked with Bangalow-based producer Blake Northfield from Bronte Pictures to make the romantic drama.

The movie follows the story of an Australian woman named Laura – based on Ms Jensz and played by Radha Mitchell – who returns home from London with her three sons after she is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).

She reconnects with her childhood sweetheart, whose character is based on Raftopoulos and played by Adam Demos.

The movie was shot in various locations across the Northern Rivers, including at Zephyr Horses (which the couple co-own), the grand manor Victoria’s at Ewingsdale, Harvest at Newrybar, Bangalow’s main street, Federal Hall, Baz & Shaz Fruit & Veg at Suffolk Park and the beach at Lennox Head.

Unfortunately, scenes shot at Billinudgel Hotel ended up on the cutting room floor.

“The most fun I had was the football scene shot at Byron Football Club,” Mr Raftopoulos said. “We were just playing footy, which is what I love to do. A lot of days weren’t quite as fun – we had to get quite in depth with the seriousness of the disease and that’s where it became tricky.”

While acknowledging there’s only so much you can do in 90 minutes, the pair hope the film will raise awareness of MS, which occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the fatty material around nerves, and is the most common chronic neurological condition affecting young adults.

“It’s very surreal to see your life on the big screen,” Ms Jensz said.

“It’s quite humbling but it’s nice to be able to educate people about the disease. It’s not quite as harsh as real life can be but it’s a beautiful film and I’m very proud of it.”

The special advance preview of Take My Hand will be held at Palace Cinemas in Byron Bay at 3pm on August 18, followed by a Q&A with Mr Raftopoulos, Ms Jensz, Mitchell and co-star Bart Edwards.

For more information, head to palacecinemas.com.au/events/take-my-hand-qa-preview-byron