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RAI FILM Festival takes place on 27-30 March 2025. Learn more.

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2021

The Daring Young Girl on the Flying Trapeze

Directed by Nina Ross

2020 – 27'

Synopsis

As a child, Nancy Willis dreamt of joining the circus, longing for freedom and adventure. Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and told she would not live beyond her twenties, the now 65-year-old artist invites us into her world. Combining hard-hitting memories of societal discrimination with the depth and beauty of everyday moments, she opens up about vulnerability, self-exploration, family and maternity.

The narrative meanders seamlessly between the grounded and the dream-like. A rich tapestry of artwork, observation and archive illustrates the challenges of physical deterioration and the infinite possibilities of imagination. The film provides an alternative frame of perception through which to explore the experience of disability.

RAI FILM Festival 2025

The next RAI FILM Festival will take place in person from 27-30 March 2025 at the Watershed Cinema and the Arnolfini International Centre for Contemporary Arts in Bristol (UK) and online throughout the month of April 2025.