Circus Rosaire at Vancouver Film Fest

Documentary Chronicles a Family Circus Act

Sure to be a real crowd-pleaser at this year’s Vancouver International Film Festival is Circus Rosaire, a dynamic portrait of a unique family premiering internationally.

Kids of all ages will fall headfirst for this look into the life of a wondrous American family whose roots hail from England. Director Robin Bliley lucked out when he decided to chronicle this clan who have made their mark in the circus world. Through scores of interviews and old film footage we see how this mom and dad raised a number of children and how they became part of a circus existence.

Today animal acts are few and far between under the big top. Here we get up close and personal with the members of this family who have performed with animals for decades. Hearts will be pounding wildly as we see how wild animals like bears, lions and tigers get up close and personal with the Rosaires who have a habit of nurturing the wildlife.

Being fair in an uncompromising manner, the filmmakers and subjects of this movie even allow for dissenting views as people who object to animals in captivity get screen time to tell their side of the story. For 89 minutes people learn all about the intricacies of life on the road and all the trials and tribulations of a group of performers who risk all to bring joy to so many.

Great close-up shots of the handlers performing with these larger than life creatures will leave audiences in awe. Over time we learn the love these people have for their four-legged friends and sense that they treat them exactly like children.

Touching and poignant, Circus Rosaire is a delightful telling of a family tale that’s a real and classic success story, complete with heartaches, controversy and lots of love.

For more information on the Vancouver Film Festival go to www.viff.org