Directed By Matthew Walker

Starring Wanita Bahtiyar

A young girl from the country, hooked on Honky Tonk and a deep love for Loretta Lynne, dreams of making it big in the world of country music.

Hailing from Australia, she sets her sights on the mecca of Australian country music and the home of the great golden guitar, Tamworth and twenty-five years later, she’s still there.

This documentary charts the sad reality for so many Australian musicians, we have so much talent, but nowhere to put it. As a country heavily invested in sport, we seem to forget that artists also need wages, recognition and places to share their craft.

It takes a certain kind of persistence (one might even say sadomasochism) to make it as an artist in this country. Whilst most of us everyday folk are motivated by the carrot, performers need to be motivated by the stick to get anywhere in this country. This has been especially the case during the pandemic, which sadly impacted the release of this marvellous documentary and many artist’s livelihoods.

We follow Wanita as she attempts to realise her sky-high dreams. From Tamworth to Nashville we witness her undeniable talent and her struggles, her highs and lows.

Eccentric, big hearted, insanely gifted, with a side helping of difficult to manage, I’m Wanita hits  all the right notes. 

I’m Wanita is showing in selected cinemas in Sydney and Melbourne from January 6th.

Moviedoc thanks Label Distribution and Miranda Brown Publicity for the screener link to watch and review this film.

Review by Jemma for Moviedoc

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