Introducing a Heart-Stopping Trailer
EXCLUSIVE: Prepare yourself for a trailer that’s not for the weak of heart.
The spotlight is on Cirque Life, a Canadian documentary series developed for the CBC, which delves into the iconic Cirque du Soleil. “I thrive on adrenaline, constantly testing my boundaries,” one artist reveals as the trailer begins. Another adds, “I make the impossible seem possible to my audience.”
A Look Behind the Scenes
This five-episode series provides a glimpse into the lives of the circus artists gearing up for Luzia, a standout production by the renowned Canadian circus troupe. Through interviews with performers, clowns, and managers, the series explores the challenges, egos, and the tight-knit community within Cirque, accompanied by clips of awe-inspiring stunts.
The narrative follows the cast and crew of Luzia as they make a much-anticipated return to Montréal, the first since its debut in 2016. The series features key figures such as Cirque Life’s running woman Olivia Aepli, acrobat Mikaël Bruyère-L’Abbé, vocalist Majo Cornejo, cyr wheel artist and pole dancer Zore España, contortionist Aleksei Goloborodko, and clown Eric Koller, among others.
During a demanding summer, they perform up to ten shows weekly over four months. The intense schedule is not without risks, as the footage of injuries among the performers illustrates the real dangers they face.
One compelling moment in the series captures a performer comparing their life to that of a rock star, humorously noting, “Um, I don’t think there is one,” suggesting the rockstar-like status and lifestyle of a Cirque artist.
Production and Distribution
Cirque Life is produced by Cineflix, with its sales division, Cineflix Rights, handling global distribution. The executive production team includes Tanya Blake and J.C. Mills from Cineflix, alongside Susan Levison and Richard Lowell from Cirque du Soleil. Representing CBC, Sally Catto serves as the General Manager of Entertainment, Factual, & Sports; Jennifer Dettman as Executive Director of Unscripted Content; Sandra Kleinfeld as Senior Director of Documentary; and Ann-Marie Redmond oversees production.
This series is a must-watch for those who enjoy thrilling and high-energy television, reminiscent of Netflix’s Skyscraper Live event, where climber Alex Honnold ascended Taipei 101 in Taiwan without any safety gear.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
His sharp analysis and investigative reports make complex financial topics accessible to all readers.
