John Farnham’s biopic Finding the Voice tipped to be biggest theatrical Aussie music doco

The riches-to-rags-to-reinvention story of a teen idol who became one of the country’s greatest singers is on track to become the biggest theatrical Aussie music doco of all time.

Make a noise and make it clear: The Voice, John Farnham, is now a box office king at the movies.

After opening weekend, and preview screenings last week, the Farnham biopic, Finding The Voice, is tracking to become the biggest theatrical Australian music documentary of all time, taking in more than $1.15m at the box office.

The film opened in cinemas nationally last Thursday.

The doco-style film, written and directed by Poppy Stockell, tells a powerful riches-to-rags-to-reinvention story of a former teen idol who lost everything and, after one last roll of the dice, became Whispering Jack.

John Farnham Finding the Voice

Farnham’s sons, James and Rob. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Farnham, 73, is continuing his recovery after surgery for mouth cancer last August.

At the movie’s recent VIP premiere, Farnham’s son Rob said: “Dad is so resilient and driven in a lot of ways, and cancer is another hurdle to overcome. But he will do it”.

Rob’s younger brother James added: “Dad climbed the mountain and planted a flag on top. He doesn’t need to prove himself to anybody”.

The biopic portrays Farnham’s wife, Jillian, as the family’s pillar of strength.

Farnham, 23, with Jillian, 18, in 1973.

Jillian Farnham with Gaynor Wheatley.

“Mum is the rock and support system of all three of us,” James said.

“She is the strongest one in the family hands down. She has a no bulls--t attitude and keeps us all grounded.

“Mum always has Dad’s back, no matter what. She really is the backbone of our family. I worked with Dad for 10 years (as a concert audio technician) on the road. I don’t know how she put up with him for 50 years. That’s love, eh?”

The movie features interviews with Farnham, Olivia Newton-John, Jimmy Barnes, Celine Dion, and Robbie Williams.