Closing Night Delight at Sprockets

World Premiere – Closing Night Film for Sprockets 2011 Location
TIFF Bell Lightbox – Reitman Square
350 King Street West, Toronto Cinema 6

This vibrant documentary examines the lives of the young performers of Circus Smirkus, a travelling circus group and training programme. The performers, all aged 12 to 18, not only have to learn the difficult arts of juggling and walking the tightrope while dealing with classic teen issues (gossip, burgeoning romance), but have to step up to save the circus when it faces a mounting financial crisis. Circus Dreams is an inspiring testament to the power of youthful dreams.

Circus Dreams is the Closing Night film for the 2011 Sprockets Toronto International Film Festival for Children and Youth and will be screened on Sunday, April 17 at 4:15 p.m. at TIFF Bell Lightbox.

Capsule Review:-

CIRCUS DREAMS (USA 2011) ****
Directed by Signe Taylor

Likely the most feel-good movie of the year, CIRCUS DREAMS captures charismatic teen performers on a voyage of artistic and personal self-discovery as they fight to save this country’s only traveling youth circus.  Circus Smircus has youth only up to the age of 18 performing.  The trainers range for Olympic gym coaches to the best juggler in the world.  Taylor documents the ups and downs (mainly ups) of what it is like to train to breaking point while achieving ones dreams.  The film charts chronologically the auditions, training and departures of the teens after their tour.  Taylor shares the film’s running time to quite a few of the performers with the result that their emotions and highs are felt by the audience.  By the time all of them give their farewell speech, one cannot help but feel part of their journey into adulthood.