“Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story” is the latest iteration of the former world No.4’s tennis journey, charting the rise, fall, and rise again of one of Australia’s most beloved athletes.
Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 22 November 2024 | Matt Trollope
The most common question you’re asked after telling people you saw Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story is “Oh wow, was it good?”
It’s a loaded question with a double-edged answer.
It’s good, in terms of the quality of the film-making. In fact, it’s excellent; directors Jessica Halloran and Ivan O’Mahoney weave together a documentary rich in interview talent, depth of research, access to archive footage and overall attention to detail.
It’s also not good, in terms of the subject matter explored. Significant chunks of Unbreakable were decidedly unsettling to watch, as Dokic recounted in confronting detail the physical and psychological abuse she endured at the hands of her father.
But what it reveals is a truly inspirational figure in Dokic – an athlete and person with incredible fighting spirit and survival instincts whose work has the potential to change lives.
She said as much on stage at the Melbourne premiere of Unbreakable at the Astor Theatre, where she was joined on stage by Halloran and O’Mahoney and where she received a standing ovation at the conclusion of the screening.
“I’m emotional actually,” Dokic told the Melbourne audience in a city she has now called home for 12 years.
“It’s hard to find the words because for me, this is what it’s about. It’s about you. We wanted to tell a story – we just wanted to make a difference.
“It’s not even about the standing ovation, it’s about the love that I feel. Thank you. My heart is full. You’ve made not just my day, you’ve made this year. I even say you’ve made my life – if I die today I’ll die a very happy person.”
Halloran authored the original “Unbreakable” book released in 2017 and has forged a close bond with Dokic. She was the first journalist who directly asked the Australian tennis star: Was she abused by her father?
Jelena Dokic credits Jess Halloran with saving her life, through the writing of ‘Unbreakable’, which is now a powerful documentary, co-directed by Jess and Ivan O’Mahoney.
Interviewing this trio at packed Sydney and Melbourne premieres has been unforgettable. #UNBREAKABLE
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Tennis.com.au – Tennis Australia…