After Circus

Description

Official Selection
Hot Docs Film Festival
Sarasota Film Festival
Rencontres Int’l du Documentaire de Montreal

“Touching and inspiring.” – Toronto Film Scene
“Touching tribute” – POV Magazine

Synopsis

A life under the big top is hard on the body, tough on relationships and not particularly lucrative. Performers, many born into the craft, do it for one reason and one reason only: a love of the art form. But what happens when your career comes to an end? After Circus explores a passionate and vibrant community of retired and semi-retired circus performers living in Sarasota, Florida. A cast of endearing characters share their former exploits and current challenges with humor and warmth. Featuring breathtaking performances by renowned circus stars like the inspiring Dolly Jacobs, an aerialist who at 55 defies age and gravity to wow crowds, After Circus is a refreshing look at a tightly knit and supportive group of artists who will always be bound to the spotlight of the circus ring.

Director

Viveka Melki is a storyteller working primarily in film. Born in The Gambia, West Africa, Viveka cofounded Tortuga Films in Rimouski Quebec in 2006 but today is a director and screenwriter fulltime. Her filmography as a Producer ranges from the award winning documentary, Campesinos… we will inherit the earth (2008, Radio Canada and TFO) and Hippocrate (2012, Radio Canada, Explora). In 2010 Viveka directed her first short film The Time It Takes (11 min) which was nominated in competition at Regard sur le court métrage in Quebec as well as international film festivals. In 2014 she directed the two part series War Correspondence (WWI and DDay).