Jelena Dokic at world premiere of biopic at Brisbane International Film Festival

Tennis star Jelena Dokic has debuted her powerful documentary Unbreakable on the final night of the Brisbane International Film Festival.

Tennis star Jelena Dokic was the centre of attention at Brisbane’s Dendy Cinemas Coorparoo on Sunday, where her powerful documentary Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story had its worldwide premiere.

The highly anticipated event, part of closing-night festivities for the Brisbane International Film Festival, drew more than 500 fans and moviegoers, selling out four cinemas.

Dokic, 41, who flew in to Brisbane for the premiere, was greeted by fans as she graced the red carpet in a stunning black gown.

“I’ve had so much excitement for months,” she said.

“It just means the world to me that people want to see it, that people want to support it.”

The demand for tickets surpassed expectations, with Dokic revealing she was moved to tears upon learning just how many people would attend.
“I’m really emotional – I’ve already cried today,” she admitted.

“I thought if we filled one cinema, that would be amazing. Then it just kept selling out, and we kept opening more cinemas.

“It’s incredible.”

Jelena Dokic at Dendy Coorparoo cinemas on Sunday. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

The documentary, sharing a title with Dokic’s best-selling memoir, delves into the shocking abuse she endured at the hands of her father throughout her tennis career.

Unbreakable does not shy away from the painful truths of domestic violence and child abuse that shaped Dokic’s life, offering an unflinching look at the darker side of her journey in the tennis world and beyond.

Dokic hopes the film will shine a spotlight on these often-hidden issues, particularly within the world of sports.

“It’s not just following an autobiography-type way; it really does focus on domestic violence and child abuse in sports, obviously in tennis, but also in society, the consequences of it, the bystander effect,” Dokic said.

After the screenings, Dokic made a personal visit to each cinema, thanking audiences for their support and sharing her heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to tell her story on such a grand scale.

Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story opens on Thursday

Originally published as Jelena Dokic at world premiere of biopic at Brisbane International Film Festival