Far North Queenslanders are in for a treat next Saturday when an international film star’s family put on a show.

On the first year anniversary of Diane Cilento’s passing, community members of Far North Queensland are invited to attend a special evening at Karnak Playhouse.

The event, presented by Diane’s children Giovanna Volpe and Jason Connery, will honour the life and achievements of this extraordinary lady of the stage and screen.

Featuring a screening of Hombre, the 1960s western starring Diane and Paul Newman, a performance by Jane Rutter, tributes from her family and friends, and an exhibition of her paintings, the evening will be a fitting tribute to the breadth of Cilento’s work.

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Giovanna Volpe, Diane’s daughter said the event is intended as “a celebration of Diane’s life. My mother was never morose and she would loathe having people remember her in this way.

"She had a wild sense of humour. We think she’d approve of the carnival atmosphere we are aiming to create.”

With a career spanning six decades, Diane, once widely recognised as “Mrs James Bond”, was tour de force in her own right. Having appeared in over 30 films, she went on to publish two novels and an autobiography.

In later years, the Oscar nominated and Tony Award winning actress established Karnak Playhouse. Here Diane fostered important opportunities for artists in her home state of Queensland and mentored emerging industry leaders.  

This event is a wonderful chance for the people of the region to say goodbye to an iconic figure of the arts world. And just like Diane herself, the evening won’t go by without a few surprises.

“A special announcement regarding what’s next for Karnak Playhouse will also be made on the night”, Ms Volpe revealed.

The tribute to Diane Cilento will take place on Saturday 6 October 2012, from 6pm to 10pm at Karnak Playhouse, Miallo. This is a free event and bookings are not required.

The inaugural Diane Cilento Excellence in Art award will be presented at the Port Douglas Business Awards next month.