Circo

Director Aaron Schock had his camera following members of a circus family in Mexico and they went about their daily life, performances and road trips. This family which included 4 children, all performers, roamed from one small town to the other to make a meagre living through their performances - a dying art. Life was not easy, but even the children seemed to be content with that life style.

Acting was flawless and often you think the it was done without the family members knowing the camera was there. There was also a candid look into the usual problems within a family, including the conflict between the parents over the wellbeing of the children. Through this film you will have a good, honest look into the lives of a family that you would not otherwise relate to.

The bonus materials is good, too. An update on the family after the film was done gives the viewing an interesting closure. I highly recommended this film to anyone seeking a story in real life, and not Hollywood escapism.

From the opening shots as this small family circus rolls into another town we are struck by how hardworking, courageous and creative they are. As this richly satisfying documentary unfolds we come to care deeply about the Ponce family we get to know through the lens of the single camera and the perspective of director and one man film crew, Aaron Schock.

Schock was there for Q and A at the Palm Springs film festival last week where most of the questions were about what happened next. The answers were as inspiring as the film. If you get a chance to see Circo, don't miss it!