The Tightrope

Circus Aztlán, which performs in the villages around Mexico City, is made up of the members of just one family. They each have their own act: there is a clown--ringmaster, a trapeze act, a juggler, an act with a pony and a pink poodle, plus a goat that does tricks. The daughter is thinking about leaving the business, but she would miss the circus and the applause, she says. She is also very proud of her roots and her profession. Seen from the outside, it may look like a life full of adventure, but behind the glitter suits and heavy makeup lies a difficult, uncertain existence. There are often only a handful of circus-goers in the tent, which makes for a cheerless impression. follows this family over an extended period of time. We see parts of the show and get a glimpse behind the scenes during the hours before and after the setting up and striking of the big top. This creates an intimate portrait of a tight-knit family struggling to make a living.