Inside the Athena Film Festival: A review of the opening night showcase of Renée Elise Goldsberry’s ‘Satisfied’ short film

Renée Elise Goldsberry’s “Satisfied” screened at Barnard College’s 15th Athena Film Festival on March 6. This documentary discusses the Tony Award winner’s balance between her role of Angelica Schuyler in Broadway’s beloved “Hamilton” and womanhood. 

Wakil (left) and Goldsberry (right) at the Athena Film Festival.

Photo provided by Iya Wakil/The Barnard Bulletin

By Iya Wakil

April 24, 2025

In early March, Barnard College welcomed filmmakers, film enthusiasts, and the surrounding New York City community to its 15th annual Athena Film Festival, an event dedicated to celebrating female excellence in the film industry. This year’s film festival began with a screening of Renée Elise Goldsberry’s film “Satisfied,” an 84-minute autobiographical short film depicting Goldsberry’s experience taking on the role of Angelica Schuyler in the Broadway original “Hamilton.”

The documentary “Satisfied,”  named after Goldsberry’s main solo in “Hamilton” in which the actress sings that she has “never been satisfied,” offers a small glimpse into the high-achieving performer’s real challenges off the stage. Goldsberry juggles life and a world full of dreams she wishes to chase: Broadway calls, all while the challenges and joys of motherhood introduce themselves. This incredible screening was then followed by a post-screening conversation with the film’s co-director Melissa Haizlip, and the Tony winner herself. 

In this film, the audience sees Renée's emotional yet fruitful story unfold as she navigates her experience in “Hamilton” as Angelica Schuyler. Goldsberry’s extensive experience and previous career successes in the Broadway industry, ranging from her performance as Nala in Broadway’s “The Lion King” to Mimi in the closing cast of “Rent,” make her no stranger to the spotlight. The story goes past her achievements and capabilities as a performer and leans into who Goldsberry is as a person: a dedicated, loving mother, daughter, friend, and wife who is incredibly set on reaching her lofty goals while always keeping her actions aligned and intentional, reflecting the deep values she holds within herself. 

Her story resonates with young women, especially those navigating the big city in their early 20s — just like most Barnard Baddies! 

The film itself featured anecdotes from Goldsberry’s life, including video journals taken on her iPhone that documented her emotions and experiences auditioning and training for Angelica’s role in “Hamilton,” as well as conversations with her family and friends. At times, Goldsberry’s emotions were captured in the rawest of forms, showcasing the reality of balancing motherhood and a significant role on Broadway. During the film, Goldsberry spoke about her experience, saying that “[she] feel[s] guilty, and more than that…feel[s] like [she’s] missing out [on family].” The raw, real emotion behind each of these moments helped us viewers really connect to Goldsberry’s story and struggle, reminding us of our own hardships and how we have felt during our own times of desperation.

When asked about her advice to younger women, as well as what she would tell a younger version of herself struggling with balancing different aspects of life, Goldsberry shared: “As young women, we give ourselves less credit than we deserve… [We] need to remind ourselves that everything will work itself out.” 

Hearing this advice from such an accomplished woman reminded me, a young woman, that I too could accomplish my dreams. Despite the sea of doubts that Goldsberry faced, perpetuated by the negativity around her at times, the support she found was incredibly inspiring. Being able to attend an institution that invites successful women like Goldsberry to the Athena Film Festival (and many other events hosted on campus) to speak on overcoming challenges and finding success, reminds young women that their dreams are within reach. 

Being a part of the successful “Hamilton” cast and playing the role of a witty, intelligent woman reflects Goldsberry’s own character — one of a woman who is determined to shine and reach her goals while keeping what is important close to her heart. She embodies boldness and confidence in standing for what she values, inspiring women from all walks of life to know that their dreams are within grasp. Renée Elise Goldsberry proves Angelica wrong: one day we can be “satisfied.”