There’s a couple of hidden gems in the line-up for the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival, and Circus Fantasticus looks very much like one of those.
Set in the former Yugoslavia at the end of the war that tore that country apart the film focuses on Stevo, a man left with a son, a daughter and a dead wife. With the war ended he is struggling to rebuild his life, when out of nowhere the circus turn up in town.
Sweeping cinematography and a moving score underline this dialogue free epic, which uses the power of gesture, facial expressions and glances to portray a truly universal story of how people deal with life and death. The juxtaposition of the vibrant circus life and the bleak war-ravaged land offer an unusual, yet beautiful examination of life, love and loss.
The film scored multiple awards at the recent 13th Festival of Slovenian Cinema, winning the Vesna awards for Best Feature Film and Best Director (Janez Burger). It also won the Official Jury Awards for best make-up (Alenka Nahtigal), sound (Robert Flanagan), music (Drago Ivanuša) and best supporting actor (Ravil Sultanov).
Sunday Feb 20th is a once in a lifetime chance to catch at extraordinary movie on the big screen. Tickets here.
