Belinda is a 1988 Australian film directed by Pamela Gibbons, which stars Deanne Jeffs in the title role. The film was also known as Midnight Dancer.
Plot Sixteen-year-old Belinda (Deanne Jeffs) has aspirations of becoming a ballerina. Despite hailing from a straitlaced family, and living at home with her parents, she takes a job as an exotic dancer in a sleazy cabaret club in Sydney's Kings Cross, to make ends meet.
Eventually, Belinda realises her goals, but not before experiencing the ups and downs of her new reality, encountering nefarious characters along the way.
Cast Deanne Jeffs as Belinda Mary Regan as Crystal Kaarin Fairfax as Sandra Nico Lathouris as Benny Hazel Phillips as Doreen John Jarratt as Graeme Elizabeth Lord as Mandy Gerda Nicolson as Belinda's Mother Alan Cassell as Belinda's Father Tim Burns as Jamie Caz Lederman as Rhonda
Production The film was autobiographical for Pamela Gibbons. It was shot in Sydney, from August to October 1986Stratton, David (1990), The Avocado Plantation: Boom and Bust in the Australian Film Industry, Pan MacMillan, p195 and was produced by Fontana Film. International sales were handled by Summer City Distribution Ltd.
Release Belinda had its world premiere 11 May 1987 at the Cannes Film Festival. It premiered in Australian theatres on 1 August 1988.
Reception Australian film critic David Stratton from At the Movies reviewed the film for Variety, stating: "Belinda is light on narrative but very strong on atmosphere and character" and "Technically, Belinda is good, with solid camerawork by Gibbons’ husband, Malcolm McCullogh, and a very sharp soundtrack."
Awards Date Award Category Nominee Result Ref.1987 Australian Film Institute Awards Best Achievement in Cinematography Best Achievement in Sound Best Supporting Actress Kaarin Fairfax Best Original Screenplay 1988 Australian Cinematographers Society Awards Merit Award Malcolm McCulloch
References
External links
Belinda at Screen Australia