SARASOTA – More than 200 films will be making their rounds across several theaters in Sarasota as part of the 21st annual Sarasota Film Festival.
The documentary film All There Is – A Circus Story looks to share just some of the history between the Suncoast and Ringling.
“It’s not just performance it’s the spectacle, the amazing the talent, the strength, the poise, the artistic movement of these performers is really art in itself,” said Carlos Pagan, film director.
Pagan was inspired to direct the film All There Is – A Circus Story after moving to Sarasota and reminiscing of the love he had for the circus as a child.
“The impetus for this project was actually started when I was a child and went to see the Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey Circus in its three ring glory in the old Madison square Garden in New York City,” said Pagan.
His love for the circus was reignited but was left heartbroken when in 2017 Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey Circus announced they would no longer tour their iconic show.
“That was a surprise and a schlock and I got to see it in the faces and demeanor of all the circus families that live here,” said Pagan “It was no small news to them it was a real shock.”
The film focuses on highlighting the circuses rich history in Sarasota but after the announcement by Ringling Circus it changes the subject to what’s next for the small traditional circuses left in the country.
“This is the story of what’s next; it’s dealing with it, coping with it, reminiscing about it and reflecting on circuses glorious past but also answering that question what’s next? Where do we go from here?” said Pagan.
What exactly is next? Pagan says the art of traditional circuses is not dead when there are families still carrying on the tradition.
“Circus is evolving and it will continue, the show will go on especially here in Sarasota, the home for circus for so many decades,” said Pagan.
Pagan’s film premieres Monday April 8th at the Municipal Auditorium at 8:15. For ticket information visit sarasotafilmfestival.com
