The Circus International Film Festival stands as a vibrant celebration of the mesmerizing world of circus arts through the lens of filmmaking. Over the years, it has seamlessly brought together filmmakers, performers, and enthusiasts, creating a unique space to showcase and honor outstanding contributions to the cinematic exploration of the circus.

A notable strength of the festival lies in its commitment to recognizing excellence across various categories and genres. Whether presented as a feature film, a short documentary, or an animated piece, the Circus International Film Festival applauds the unique storytelling abilities of filmmakers who choose the circus as their subject.

Among the distinguished winners are those filmmakers who have consistently pushed boundaries, exploring new dimensions within the circus film genre. Their innovative storytelling and creative techniques not only entertain audiences but also elevate the art form itself.

In an interview during the 2023 Circus International Film Festival, Eric Bates, a winner in the Shorts – Documentary Category, shared insights about the parallels between filmmaking and circus: “What you learn in filmmaking is obviously its own entire profession, and within it are sub-professions. It’s exciting, though, because there’s so much to learn, like many circus artists. You know; you want to learn Chinese pole, you want to learn hoop diving and juggling, you want to learn it all, and I think filmmaking offers a similar avenue. You have to get good at audio and good at lighting; then there’s storytelling — it’s all distinct jobs that you can explore.”

Similarly, in an award ceremony interview with the 2023 Circus International Film Festival, Antti Suniala provided insights into his visual approach to filmmaking: “It’s a very visual film; I think I had these visual images in mind. Not necessarily a story we wanted to tell, but more of a visual emotional experience when you see this film.” Suniala drew inspiration from the urban art in the film’s surroundings, capturing nontraditional movements of circus artists in unexpected places.

Reflecting on the festival’s essence, Izzi Kessner added in their 2021 and 2022 Under 18 Category Winner interview, “I wanted to create something that was beautiful and artistic beyond its storyline. I wanted to exceed people’s expectations of a romantic storyline, and I wanted them to appreciate it more than just what the statement makes.”

Beyond critical acclaim, certain films emerge as crowd-pleasers, striking a perfect balance between entertainment and artistic merit. The festival pays special attention to these audience favorites, acknowledging films that resonate most with viewers.

The Circus International Film Festival, standing as a testament to the enduring allure of the circus on the silver screen, has celebrated filmmakers who skillfully depict the magic, mystery, and excitement of the circus world. As anticipation builds for future editions of the festival, one can only imagine the new heights filmmakers will reach in their exploration of this captivating art form.

Main image: From left to right: Antti Suniala, Izzi Kessner, Eric Bates