Take My Hand, a romantic drama feature movie based on the real-life love story of writer-director, John Raftopoulos has commenced filming in Byron Bay as the latest production for Bronte Pictures.
Director Raftopoulos co-wrote the screenplay with Dave Paterson (2067) based on the extraordinary true love story between him and the woman he was destined to spend his life with, Claire Jensz, who is also the executive producer of the production.
In Take My Hand, Jenz and Raftopoulos are Laura and Michael, respectively.
As a vibrant young Australian woman, Laura forges a successful banking career in London and has the perfect marriage. Her world is turned upside down when she is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and her husband starts to reveal who he really is, disengaging from the relationship. Further down the track, a tragic accident leaves Laura a widowed mother with three sons, a turn of events that leads her back home to Australia.
Upon returning Laura is reunited with Michael, her high school friend and a divorcee with one daughter, who has loved her since they were teenagers. In each other, they find unconditional love, peace and support while their respective families become one in the small country town they grew up in.
The project stars Radha Mitchell (Finding Neverland, Melinda and Melinda, Man On Fire), Adam Demos (Sex/Life, UnREAL, A Perfect Pairing), British actor Bart Edwards (The Witching, The Flatshare, UnREAL), Meg Fraser (Bloody Hell, Barons, Leech) and reality television star Xavier Molyneux (Big Brother) making his feature film debut. Former Neighbours star and singer, Natalie Bassingthwaite (Elvis) is also featured.
Laura is portrayed in her adult and younger years by Mitchell and Fraser respectively. Demos and Molyneux respectively play Michael and Young Michael, while Edwards portrays Laura’s first husband, Jason.