What is Christine Handy's film 'Hello Beautiful' about?

The film 'Hello Beautiful' is based on Christine Handy's novel and aims to counter fear-based disease narratives, showcasing the power of survivorship and hope.

How did Christine Handy's cancer diagnosis impact her life?

After her 2012 breast cancer diagnosis, Christine Handy shifted her focus from external achievements to personal growth and service, leading her to write and produce inspirational content.

What is the main message of the film inspired by Christine Handy's book?

The film's main message is to promote hope over fear, particularly in the context of serious illness, and to highlight the strength found in sharing stories of resilience.

Home / Health / Model's Cancer Battle Inspires Hopeful Film

Model's Cancer Battle Inspires Hopeful Film

11 Dec

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Summary

Christine Handy survived breast cancer and found new purpose.
Her novel became a film countering fear-based disease narratives.
The film aims to showcase survivorship and offer hope to others.

Model's Cancer Battle Inspires Hopeful Film

In 2012, model Christine Handy faced a breast cancer diagnosis at age 41, prompting a profound personal shift. Her identity, previously tied to external success, was re-evaluated, leading her to focus on service rather than self-interest. This redirection inspired her to write "Walk Beside Me," a novel based on her survival, which has now been adapted into a film.

The film, directed by Ziad H. Hamzeh, aims to counteract the pervasive fear surrounding disease narratives and negative media portrayals of women. Handy envisioned a project that would actively demonstrate the reality of survivorship, providing a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges. Her 13-year cancer-free anniversary marks a significant milestone in this endeavor.

Actors like Tarek Bishara found personal resonance with the film's themes, aligning with his own experiences supporting a family member through cancer treatment. The project emphasizes that hope is an active practice, a 'muscle' that must be used, particularly in the face of fear and daunting diagnoses. The overarching message is one of resilience and the healing power of shared stories.