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.
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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 1986 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."