BACKSTORY: 

When Athena was ten years old, her family decided to make the dangerous journey from Iran to Australia for a better life, and so her extraordinarily talented mother could persue a career as an Opera singer. Tragically, Athena bared witness to a catastrophic boat incident that claimed the lives of over 150 refugees, including her mother and younger sister. Reunited with her father after three days at sea, she was just one of two children to survive. Athena was then held in a refugee camp, partially imprisoned, for a further five years with her father. Coming to Australian in 2015, she had just seven months to learn English, and eventually resumed her education in Brisbane. It was here that she was yet again ill-fated, meeting her abusive ex-fiance who would only prolonge her emotional and physical torment for the next three years. With the belief that one's voice is the key to healing and freedom, Athena continues to be courageously open about her past, hoping her story may inspire women and mirgants who have suffered similarly traumatic experiences. See articles written about Athena and her father's journey below.

SYNOPSIS: 

In this documentary, I explore vulnerable territory with an inspirational young woman named Athena Hardani. After surviving the tragic loss of her family, refugee imprisonment and domestic violence all by the age of 20, Athena's dream is to establish herself as a singer/songwriter and share her story with those who need to hear it most. She has the vision board, the social following and the star factor of a famous singer in the making, but 'making it' in an industry that forces young women to either know themselves or become puppets of the patriarchy isn't as easy as it seems. As we listen to her story and observe her practise as an artist, we see her past trauma manifesting daily in ways which threaten her confidence. Having lost her mother, sister and sense of safety at such a young age, Athena was left fighting for the will to live not too long ago. With little support, a lack of direction and only a couple of years of education to her name, all she had to hold on to was her voice... a blessing from her mother.

As a staunch believer in her potential and a fellow singer/songwriter, I felt drawn to offer my support - from vocal lessons and distribution advice to making music videos - whatever she might ask. Whilst filming for her first release, Haunted By Your Kiss, we stumbled upon an important question: beyond commercial expectations and branding, who does she want to be as an artist, and what's stopping her? 

According to research and books such as 'Trauma and The Voice' by E.J Koriath and 'The Woman's Voice' by Patsy Rodenburg, which observe the relationship between trauma and the human nervous system, singing is proving to be one of the fastest ways to relieve stress, reform negative emotional and cognitive pathways and build enduring self-esteem. Having observed the incredible results of singing therapy for victims of aphasia through my documentary series 'And So They Sing', and having seen first-hand the ease of confidence it has provided for my previous vocal students, I can see its power to heal both physically and emotionally, despite this evidence still being regarded as somewhat 'taboo'. Realising the fine line between making progress and triggering her trauma, I knew that without the right qualifications I had to be careful not to cross boundaries when working with Athena. Hence, we engage with top-tier coaches and sit down with psychologists to learn how to rebuild a sense of safety and trust as performers within our unique bodies.

In the pursuit of authenticity, Athena and I explore how our personal brand and sense of self-worth is being exploited by the mainstream industry and social media. We'll talk to some of Australia's biggest names in pop, as well as local performers, to gain insight into where our strengths lie, where the industry has failed us, and discuss the incredible plight of the non-for-profit organisation AWMA (Australian Women in Music). Since 2018, founder Vicki Gordon has been determined to protect and celebrate underrepresented female voices. With the scoop on both the history and the current politics, she is a force to be reckoned with and has an important message to share. 

This documentary will not only bring light to the healing powers of our voices, but in doing so, will spread a message of hope from the perspective of a young woman who never gives up in the face of doubt. Though it may feel small and insignificant, our voice could be the most powerful healing tool we have.

"My mother always said, “Don’t let anyone silence your voice, Athena. You are meant to be heard.” Her spirit is in the music, pushing me to go beyond what I thought was possible. Every time I open my mouth to sing, I’m not just expressing myself, I’m continuing her legacy. I’m not just here to sing, I’m here to inspire change. To show the world that no matter where we come from, no matter the obstacles in our way, we have the power to create our own path. 

My mother’s dream of singing is alive in me, and through my music, I carry her spirit, her voice, and her strength forward. I am living proof that the things we lose don’t have to define us. What defines us is what we choose to do with what we have left, and I’m choosing to make it count." 

~ Athena Hardani ~

See below testimonials for the film (left to right): Declan Nicholls (Voice Coach) and Athena Hardani (subject).