Falling in Slow Motion: Ipswich film takes on new meaning after muse for male lead died unexpectedly
The creator and lead actor of a Queensland movie has been left heartbroken after her “first love”, who inspired one of the film’s main characters, died suddenly during filming.
Ipswich
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When Ipswich woman Sarah Dinsey set about creating her feature film Falling in Slow Motion, she did so with the intention of spotlighting chronic illness and the difficulties sufferers can face in life and in dating.
A mum of three and the film’s writer, producer, and lead actor, Ms Dinsey, 42, has suffered from Rheumatoid Arthritis for 15 years.
Her romantic comedy was written to highlight the harsh reality of living and battling a chronic illness — as per her own experiences — while also exploring love and acceptance through its two main characters: Joni, based on Ms Dinsey, and Nate, based on Ms Dinsey’s first love Nathan (Nate) Griffin.
But the film took on a new meaning in May last year, when Mr Griffin passed away unexpectedly from acute liver failure.
Ms Dinsey said he was her first love, as well as her lifelong friend.
“We started dating when I was 15 and he was 16,” she said.
“When I wrote this story and I was trying to find inspiration for that ‘first love, true love’ feeling, I went back to the first time I fell in love.”
She said Mr Griffin fell into a coma part-way through filming, but he saw snippets of the movie when he woke for a few days.
“He gave a little thumbs up,” she said.
“It’s not something I expected. I thought he would be at the screening.
“(The film) is a nice way for the world to know how lovely he was.”
She said the Brisbane based actor who plays Nate, Jesse Aquiningo, was fiercely committed to doing the person who inspired his character justice.
“I think playing Nate was always something he was very honoured to do from the beginning,” Ms Dinsey said.
“But that took on a new level of importance when (Nate) passed away.
“He wants to do the character justice.”
Ms Dinsey is playing the role of Joni, as she wanted true representation of a person who is managing the effects of chronic illness on-screen.
“I did that so that when people with a condition like mine are watching the film, they can see a person who is unwell too,” she said.
Her illness can be debilitating at times, particularly during painful flare-ups, which is partly why she wanted to produce the film in Ipswich.
In the city is where she feels the safest and most comfortable, as all her doctors and specialists are nearby, but it is also host to some hidden gems and architecture that make for ideal backdrops in a romantic comedy.
The new Nicholas St Precinct and Limestone St are two key locations in the film that locals will recognise.
Ms Dinsey said her character dealt with similar anxieties and insecurities that she too had faced in dating, such as the worry she would be unable to offer a life worthy of the one her boyfriend deserved; one which included having children and travelling the world.
“I wanted to show people that even if you have long-term pain and illness, you can still live a big life and follow your dreams,” she said.
Supported by Ipswich City Council, the local community, and a number of investors, filming of Falling in Slow Motion will pick up in September this year.
The film, directed by Joey Aspeotis and Shea Nathanial Moir, will be released in 2023.
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