The Cullen Collection - 'THE TIGHTROPE DANCER'
About
Dangar's very own documentarian Ruth Cullen presents the latest in her series of hand picked screenings at the club - and this time it's extra special because it's one of her most celebrated films!An engrossing documentary on the artist and adventurer Vali Myers; the legendary flame-haired dancing Bohemian of post-war Paris; the Free Spirit of Tennessee Williams' Orpheus Descending and the creator of magical paintings. At 18 Vali fled her birthplace Australia and it would be 40 years before she returned. In the meantime, she became an international celebrity while remaining virtually unknown in her home country.
Shot on location in her wild remote valley in Salerno, and Naples where she dances with Vesuvian gypsies, Vali resumes her annual sojourn to New York's Chelsea Hotel where she continues to take the city by storm. Featuring appearances by movie star Peter Weller (Robocop) musician Deborah Harry (Blondie), and literary figure George Plimpton. Whether she’s shoveling dog shit in her valley or luxuriating in the flamboyance of 1980’s Manhattan, Vali remains the same – unique, significant, and utterly beguiling.
What The Critics Said:
“Don’t miss this moving and extraordinary real life-tale” – Ruth Hessey, Vogue
“Vali and her vision remain in one’s imagination long after this film comes to an end.
Most viewers should be spellbound by Ms Cullen’s story. This is a film by a very
talented woman” - Bill Collins, The Daily Mirror
“A revealing and sensitive documentary. The Tightrope Dancer is a real treat”
Kathy Graham: On The Street
“It is apparent that Vali dances to a different tune from most of us. Don’t miss this
film” - Louise Kennedy, The Canberra Times
“Vali is a delightful and talented eccentric. The Tightrope Dancer is intriguing” - Matt White, The Daily Mirror
“The Tightrope Dancer is an inspiration. I just loved it” - Gail Austin, Triple J
Screening starts 3pm sharp and runs for 1 hour.
Director's Q & A session after the film.
Date
Saturday 26 September 2026 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (UTC+10)Location
Dangar Island Bowlo
6-10 Grantham Crescent, Dangar Island NSW 2083
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The Cullen Collection - 'THE TIGHTROPE DANCER'
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