In cinemas
22 August

Living in London, at the peak of her career, a mother of three is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Following the sudden death of her husband and the loss of her job, she moves back home to Australia, where a chance encounter with her high school sweetheart gives her renewed hope in love as she battles the disease.

Take My Hand screening schedule

Take My Hand can be seen in cinemas around Australia from August 22 and we’re excited to share the current list of locations with you! Keep any eye on your local cinema directory for session times and bookings information.

MS Australia in partnership with Take My Hand

MS Australia is partnering with Take My Hand, a powerful Australian feature film produced by Bronte Pictures and showing in cinemas nationally in late 2024.

With multiple sclerosis (MS) a central part of the storyline, Take My Hand provides a unique opportunity to grow awareness and understanding of MS and to support those living with MS in Australia and globally.

MS is the most common acquired chronic neurological disease affecting young adults, often diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 40 and, in Australia, affects three times more women than men. As yet, there is no cure.

In MS, the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the fatty material – called myelin – around the nerves. This results in a range of symptoms, but no two people experience MS in the same way.

Capturing the essence of MS can be challenging, yet Take My Hand accomplishes this feat through a poignant script that authentically portrays both the characters’ lives and the disease at the heart of the narrative.

Our Take My Hand hub is the place to find exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with cast and crew and a heartfelt message from Executive Producer Claire Jensz, whose MS journey is depicted so beautifully in this film.

The hub also provides privileged access to pre-sale tickets for Q&A screenings scheduled for August 2024 at cinemas across Australia.

MS Australia is excited to be collaborating with Claire Jensz,  Writer/Director John Raftopoulos (also Claire’s husband) and the entire creative team behind Take My Hand, recognising early on the film’s profound portrayal of MS, and its potential to spark meaningful awareness within the community.

Associate Professor Des Graham

President, MS Australia

Rohan Greenland

ceo, MS Australia

Synopsis

In Take My Hand, Radha Mitchell shines as Laura, a spirited woman whose journey weaves through love, loss, and resilience. Paired with Adam Demos as Michael, her steadfast high school sweetheart, and Bart Edwards as Jason, Laura’s first husband, the film delves into the complexities of life, love, and multiple sclerosis (MS).
 
As Laura’s dreams lead her from the lush Byron Bay hinterlands to the bustling streets of London, she finds herself confronted by unforeseen challenges. A diagnosis of MS shakes her world, challenging her career aspirations and straining her relationships. Yet, amidst the turmoil, Laura discovers unexpected sources of strength, including a rekindled connection with Michael, now a scout for the Australian Football League (AFL).
 
Take My Hand is more than a tale of love lost and found; it’s a poignant exploration of hope, perseverance, and the enduring power of human connection. Inspired by the real-life experiences of Claire Jensz, an MS warrior and the film’s executive producer, it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
 
Directed by John Raftopoulos and brought to life by a talented cast and crew, including breakout stars Meg Fraser and Xavier Molyneux, Take My Hand promises to captivate audiences with its heartfelt narrative and compelling performances. With Radha Mitchell’s luminous portrayal at its heart, this Bronte Pictures production invites viewers on a journey of love, courage, and the unbreakable bonds that sustain us through life’s greatest challenges.
 
The film also features Meg Fraser and making his feature film debut, 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.

I have lived with MS for over 25 years and my husband, John Raftopoulos wrote and directed the feature film Take My Hand, inspired by our real-life story.

Our goal was to create a beautiful love story that everyone can relate to, while also raising awareness about MS. Many people have heard of MS, but few truly understand it or know how crucial early diagnosis is.

This year, World MS Day focuses on diagnosis—advocating for early and accurate diagnosis for everyone with MS. By releasing our trailer on World MS Day, we hope to help MS Australia emphasise the importance of early diagnosis.

John and I are proud to partner with MS Australia, and I'm excited to meet the MS community at our National Q&A Screening Program, where audiences can connect with our team.

Thank you for your support.

Claire Jensz

Executive Producer of Take My Hand

MS Australia is Australia's national multiple sclerosis (MS) not-for-profit organisation that empowers researchers to identify ways to treat, prevent and cure MS, seeks sustained and systemic policy change via advocacy, and acts as the national champion for Australia's community of people affected by MS. 

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Take My Hand the Movie