Irish Film Institute -International Film Directory – Film Listing

Circus Fantasticus

    • Director

      Janez Burger

    • Credits

      Producers: Morgan Bushe, Jozko Rutar. Writer: Janez Burger

    • Principal Cast

      Leon Lucev, Ravil Sultanov, Pauliina Räsänen, René Bazinet

  • Category

    Feature

An Irish cinematic first, Circus Fantasticus is an Irish-Slovenian co-production, and one entirely devoid of dialogue at that. Make no mistake however, Janez Burger’s film is no throwback to the silent era à la The Artist. This is a portrait of an unnamed Balkan land plagued by war, including a family living in a desolate rural war zone, their mother murdered –mere collateral damage in the ongoing turmoil. One night, they’re paid a visit by a mysterious convoy: anticipating conflict, they instead find a travelling circus troupe, which proceeds to set up camp. Circus as metaphor for the absurdity of war is a hoary old chestnut, but this surreal romp – an ode to the transcendence of entertainment – pulls off the seemingly impossible, making it fresh all over again.

Notes by Derek O'Connor

77 minutes, Ireland/Slovenia/Finland/Sweden, 2010, Colour

IFI CINEMAS TODAY


The IFI is supported
by The Arts Council

Arts Council of Ireland