This week at the movies: Circusboy

For many children, the idea of growing up in a circus sounds like a dream come true. But as the documentary "Circusboy" reveals, the reality isn't always quite so romantic. For a year, directors Julia Lemke and Anna Koch followed the long-standing Circus Arena, whose "family" also includes several children. At the center of the film is eleven-year-old Santino, whose great-grandfather - still alive today - founded the circus. A true veteran of the trade, he gently but firmly guides his grandson into the world of circus artistry. What makes "Circusboy" so special is its open, nonjudgmental look at this way of life: it captures not only the sense of togetherness, joy, and fulfillment that comes with this modern nomadic existence, but also the hard work and exhaustion behind the scenes. By adopting Santino's child's-eye view and showing his search for his place within this world, Lemke and Koch have created a documentary that feels both deeply human and quietly magical.