Cunxin, whose life has inspired the book and film Mao's Last Dancer, said he had been to Colac a few times and was "very fond" of the town.

"It reminds me of the rural community I came from in China, especially with the wonderful and humble people."

He has friends in Colac and will return to the city on Wednesday, March 24, to speak after a screening of Mao's Last Dancer that is part of the launch of the Colac Sub Fund of the South West Community Foundation.

"It is a very worthy project for me to support and for the community to get behind," Cunxin said.

Cunxin will talk about his life and Mao's Last Dancer before launching the appeal for $100,000.

If successful, the appeal will generate a further $300,000 in State Government funding to develop community projects in Colac.

The film will screen at 4pm on March 24 at the Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre , followed by a talk by Cunxin and a dinner to launch the campaign. The dinner will provide opportunities to meet and speak with Cunxin.

"Basically my message will be that no matter what challenging situations you may be in, with hard work and determination you can overcome these challenges," he said.

"Rural communities have their own challenges at the moment which is why projects such as the community foundation are important."

Mao's Last Dancer traces Cunxin's life after he was selected from a poor Chinese village to train in Madame Mao's Beijing Dance Academy, to his defection and subsequent success as a principal dancer for the Houston Ballet and as a principal artist with the Australian Ballet.

The movie is a box-office hit and ranked the 11th most successful Australian film of all time. Community Foundation Colac director Helen Paatsch said Mr Cunxin's inspiring story was a perfect vehicle for launching the campaign.

The 4pm movie and 6pm talk ($10 each) can be booked through Colac Cinemas. Bookings for the fund launch, dinner and presentation are $100 and can be made on 5231 3799.