The Power of Voice: Reflections on "Maria" at the New York Film Festival

Activating Our Authentic Expression

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend the New York Film Festival, where I saw a deeply moving film, Maria, centered around the life of an opera singer. Opera is a world I know little about, but this film made me realize just how rare it is to find cinematic stories about these powerful artists. Perhaps it's because mimicking the extraordinary vocal talent of an opera singer is incredibly difficult, making Maria one of a kind.

Angelina Jolie took on the leading role in this dark and poignant portrayal, showcasing the complicated life of a woman whose voice was both her gift and her burden. The film explores how, even while she had to pour her soul into her performances, there were moments where she seemed like a shell of herself—playing roles that demanded so much emotional vulnerability yet left her empty inside.

The story constantly flips between different phases of her life, revealing the pressures she faced. At times, singing was her only means of survival, while at other moments, others wanted her to stop, out of envy or a desire to keep her talent all to themselves. It was a striking depiction of how her career slowly unraveled, as the physical toll of her singing began to impact her health, pushing her into a spiral of illness and depression. It was heartbreaking to see how something that once empowered her ultimately led to her undoing.

Watching this film made me reflect on how many of us can relate to Maria’s story—whether it's in the act of physically sharing our voice or symbolically sharing our truth. We may not all be opera singers, but we each carry our own traumas, challenges, and obstacles when it comes to using our voice. Some people, like Maria, push themselves to the limit, even risking their lives in the process. Others face moments where using their voice becomes dangerous or where their light is dimmed because others seek to control or diminish them.

Maria serves as a powerful metaphor for the struggles many of us experience in sharing our authentic voice. How often have we been silenced by society, by fear, by our circumstances? How many times have we performed for applause and attention, instead of expressing our true selves? In this age of social media, the temptation to seek validation through performance feels stronger than ever. But at what cost?

The film sparked a deep reflection on the complexities of voice and the courage it takes to share it in an authentic and meaningful way. As we continue to explore this theme in today's world, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of amplifying our voices in a way that honors both our higher purpose and our material reality.

At the heart of this reflection lies an invitation. We are currently seeking experts and thought leaders who can help guide us through this journey of activating and amplifying our voices. Whether through spiritual practice, storytelling, or other meaningful pathways, we aim to curate a program that accelerates this process—helping people overcome self-sabotage and step into their truth.

This is an exciting opportunity to unite our higher selves with our three-dimensional, material selves, and we want to invite those who feel called to be part of this mission. If you’re someone who understands the power of voice and wants to help others connect with their truth, we would love to hear from you.

Together, we can create a future where our voices are no longer silenced but celebrated in their full, authentic expression.