Gainesville to Host Filming for Heart-wrenching Feature Film ‘Clean Hands’

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Downtown Gainesville will become the backdrop for the feature film “Clean Hands” on April 24, 2025, highlighting the true story of narcotics detective Kevin Simmers and his daughter, Brooke.

The alley between Bradford St. and Main St. will be transformed for the production, which stars Zack Braff as Kevin and Esther McGregor as Brooke. This poignant film follows the tragic journey of Simmers, who became a recovery advocate after losing his daughter to an opioid overdose at age 19.

James Suttles, producer from Georgia-based WW/SF Entertainment, is collaborating with Connor and Jake Allen of Margate House Films to bring this story to life. Suttles noted, “They’ve been making films just as long as we have. Jake is the writer and director, and he stumbled upon this story during research for another film. He felt this was a movie worth making and a story worth being told.”

In memory of Brooke, Simmers and his wife, Dana, founded an addiction treatment facility for women in early recovery, located in Washington County, MD.

Additional cast members include Abigail Spencer, who will portray Dana Simmers; Holt McCallany as Maryland Congressman David Trone; and Lucas Till as a Sheriff’s Deputy in the film.

Filming is set to occur between 1 and 4 p.m., during which crew members will manage car and pedestrian traffic to minimize disruptions to daily life on the square. Suttles expressed the team’s commitment to ensuring a smooth operation for local businesses during the shoot.

As excitement builds for the project, the film’s deeper message about addiction and loss is expected to resonate with many viewers, shedding light on an urgent societal issue.