The Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) closing red carpet event for the World Premiere of the documentary Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story ended with a heart-felt standing ovation. I think it was the highlight of this year’s 2024 BIFF and I am grateful to be one of the invitees to attend one of the three sold-out cinemas at Dendy Coorparoo. Perfect timing, in readiness for the launch of Unbreakable due to be released Thursday 7 November 2024.
The greatest treat of all was Jelena Dokic attending the launch of her film based on her book written with Jessica Halloran, Unbreakable.
I remember in 1994 when Jelena and her family immigrated from Croatia to Sydney and watched her extraordinary matches on screen. I remember her playing Swiss champion Martina Hingis, and American Lindsay Davenport.
The Unbreakable documentary footage brought back wonderful memories of Jelena in top form. We were supporting Jelena all the way, proud of her strong determination to win for her new country, Australia. She had incredible skill which placed her ranking in the world as No.4. I later wondered what happened to her as she was a surety to be No.1.
In general, as a member of the public, we were aware of her hard-headed father and his apparent total domination over Jelena, eventually becoming her coach. I thought this strange at the time. Let alone her mother standing by her husband not protecting her daughter. I am trying not to judge, but being a mother my priority when going through hardship years ago was to protect my children.
I felt sorry for this beautiful young teenager who appeared to love her tennis but not her life. Yet we all seemed to have accepted his uncivil demonstrative behaviour as her father made the headlines regularly. It never felt right to me and watching Unbreakable made me want to sob. The situation I often wondered about and hoped I was wrong, was in fact all true. It was even worse when visual facts and behind-the-scenes truthful commentary and reels appeared on the big screen.
The Story
Unbreakable is not just a tennis story, it is about a young girl surviving behind the scenes as she strived to reach a world ranking of No.4. Jelena Dokic was indeed capable of reaching No.1. The Unbreakable documentary, explains it all.
It is incredible to watch the events unfold as this trusting young person overcame extraordinary odds, including poverty, to regain herself and dignity to triumph over all. Jelena’s story is about bullying and extreme brutality. She survived on the tennis court as a refugee, twice. More importantly, her violent father Damir Dokic, the person she trusted the most, subjected her to unimaginable abuse both as a father and coach. Her story is about growing up, never being alone but always lonely.
The documentary shows how the tennis world and a nation of fans chose to look away when Jelena needed them the most. It breaks our hearts to watch, she was so young and unsupported, dominated by her father, her mother by her husband’s side.
Her honesty and openness about heartbreak, and losing people we love is a testament to her strength. There is so much more to Jelena Dokic than a world-ranking tennis player. It was heartwarming seeing the caring and support of former tennis greats Pam Shriver and Lindsay Devonport. Women Tennis Association speaks out as well as journalists Chris Clarey of the NY Times, CBS 60 Minutes reporter Joh Wertheim and Australian broadcaster and former professional tennis player Todd Woodbridge.
Today, Jelena is our warrior. She doesn’t need to be saved any more as this strong, passionate woman has overcome extraordinary circumstances and learned how to survive. Her understanding and compassion shine through as does her warm personality.
She now thrives as our former professional player has become a wonderful Australian tennis commentator, studio analyst and motivational speaker.
At the end of the film, as we tucked our tear-soaked tissues into our bags, my friend and I wanted to go up to Jelena and give her a big cuddle.
A film not to be missed Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story.
Note: Jelena (with Jessica Halloran) has released her second book Fearless: Finding the Power to Thrive, by Penguin Books.
Cast & Crew
Directors – Ivan O’Mahoney, Jessica Halloran
Cast – Jelena Dokic
In Australian Cinemas Thursday, November 7, 2024
“Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) #RoadshowFilms #SheSociety #M4M
SheSociety is a site for the women of Australia to share our stories, our experiences, shared learnings and opportunities to connect.
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