Director Ziad H. Hamzeh and executive producer Christine Handy.

Behind the Scenes of ‘Hello Beautiful’: A New Perspective on Breast Cancer in Film

In a revealing interview, director Ziad H. Hamzeh and executive producer Christine Handy discuss their groundbreaking film “Hello Beautiful,” offering a fresh and hopeful perspective on the breast cancer journey. This emotionally compelling drama, based on Handy’s semi-autobiographical novel “Walk Beside Me,” stars Tricia Helfer as Willow, a successful model whose life is transformed by a cancer diagnosis.

The Genesis of ‘Hello Beautiful’

Ziad H. Hamzeh, an accomplished filmmaker with 19 films and over 50 awards to his name, was drawn to Christine’s story by its raw emotional power. “Reading it was a heart-wrenching experience that captured every fiber of my being,” Hamzeh shares. He spent five years crafting the screenplay, describing it as “a labor of love.”

For Christine Handy, the film represents a deeply personal mission. Diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age, she found a lack of relatable stories. “What I wanted – and in many ways needed – was to see and read about a true story about the disease,” Handy explains. Frustrated by the prevalence of fear-based narratives in cancer-related media, she set out to create a story of hope.

Adapting a Personal Journey

Adapting such a personal story presented unique challenges. Hamzeh approached the task with deep respect for Handy’s experiences, engaging in near-daily conversations to fully understand her journey. “The most daunting aspect of this work was doing justice to Christine’s lived experience,” he admits.

Handy, for her part, trusted Hamzeh’s expertise in crafting the screenplay. They made strategic decisions to focus on the core elements of her story, particularly the breast cancer experience. “We cut a variety of peripheral storylines out of the film and focused on the central and more important angles,” Handy explains.

On-Set Experiences

Christine Handy’s presence on set added an invaluable layer of authenticity to the production. While emotionally challenging at times, her involvement helped create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. “Ziad and I really built a community of actors, creators, and crew,” Handy reflects.

Casting Willow

Finding the right actor to portray Willow was crucial. Tricia Helfer was chosen for her ability to combine beauty with emotional depth and professionalism. “Her bright eyes disguised a tinge of sadness, and her intelligent dissection of the character and her ability to be simultaneously vulnerable and strong was unparalleled,” Hamzeh praises.

A Multi-Dimensional Approach

“Hello Beautiful” goes beyond just Willow’s perspective, exploring the impact of cancer on family and friends. Hamzeh explains, “Exploring their various thoughts, feelings, and actions was imperative to telling the full story, the true story, the real story.”

Impact and Reception

Early screenings have yielded positive responses, particularly from those who have experienced cancer firsthand. “Their responses have been overwhelmingly positive,” Hamzeh notes, while Handy adds, “There is no ceiling to how many globally will be moved by this movie.”

“Hello Beautiful” promises to be more than just a film – it’s a beacon of hope and a new voice in the conversation around breast cancer. As it prepares for festival screenings, it stands poised to touch lives and change perspectives on the breast cancer journey.

Learn Look Locate: Supporting the Mission

The creation of “Hello Beautiful” aligns closely with the mission of Learn Look Locate (LLL), an organization dedicated to breast cancer education and support. As an LLL ambassador, Christine Handy exemplifies the power of sharing personal stories to educate, inspire, and promote early detection. LLL’s commitment to providing accessible, hope-filled information about breast cancer resonates deeply with the goals of “Hello Beautiful,” making this film a powerful tool in the broader mission of empowering those affected by breast cancer. Through initiatives like this and the support of advocates like Christine Handy, LLL continues to make a significant impact in the breast cancer community.