Film details

Synopsis

In Rio de Janeiro, Richard dreams of dazzling audiences in the world’s biggest circus tents. But when the 20-year-old artist is kicked out of his home by his adoptive mother, his life is turned upside down. His once-clear dream begins to drift out of focus, and he embarks on a lengthy quest to find his way. A vibrant community of drag queens becomes his refuge, sparking a new path as he transitions to Ashila. As uncertainty looms, the spirits of Candomblé offer him hope, while his sister remains an unwavering pillar of support. Through an intimate, direct cinema approach, Circo immerses us in the lives of residents of Brazil’s favelas as they seek to shape their own futures.

Crew

Writing : Yza Nouiga, Lamia Chraibi

Cinematography : Marcel Mueller

Sound recording : Priscila Alves

Editing : René Roberge

Sound design : Olivier Calvert

Sound mix : Hans Laitres
Color grading : Sylvain Cossette

Protagonists : Richard Gomes Estrela , Ashila Müller, Nathacha Da Silva Latta

Direction

Lamia Chraibi

Lamia Chraibi is a French-Moroccan filmmaker based in Montreal. She is particularly interested in the themes of social justice, identity, family and territory. She also deals with subjects related to body language and social art. The human being is at the heart of her approach. Her studies in social science (Sorbonne, Paris) and in documentary (INIS, Montreal) have shaped her sensitive and committed vision of the world. Her art is nourished by her identity questions, her migratory journey and her travels. Lamia’s cinema is based on time and the trust established with the protagonists. With a poetic approach, her camera gives a voice to the forgotten from diverse backgrounds.

 

Filmography

LIKE A SPIRAL, 28 min, Documentary, 2024
CIRCO, 88 min, Documentary, 2024
STATU QUO, 10 min, Experimental, 2020
AMAZON VOICES, 52 min, Documentary, 2015