Circo, is a documentary that explores the lives of a circus family, who for generations as far back as the 19th Century, have lived and performed on the back roads of Mexico.

 
The film follows these people, the Ponce family, as they travel from town to town. Tino, the ringmaster (and family head), works hard and expects the entire family to do so as well, hoping that the circus that was begun by his parents, will become famous and successful. The family includes his four young children who long to be able to go to school as they pass by children playing in schoolyards. But, in their life with the circus, there is no time or place for childhood. Watching how hard these children work, makes one feel sympathetic to their circumstances.

Tino's wife Ivonne resents his exploitation of his children and believes that Tino's father is receiving more of the circus profits at the expense of their family. Throughout the film, she tries to make changes, but Tino feels an obligation to his long-time family tradition and rebuffs them. The story revolves around a troubled marriage, family commitment and whether or not the family tradition can continue.

The movie is beautifully filmed on the back roads of rural Mexico. It runs for 75 minutes and is in Spanish with English subtitles (easy to read). Directed by Aaron Schock, who is also the producer, cinematographer and writer, Circo is his first feature film. An extremely fascinating documentary.

 

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