The history of Chinese acrobatics dates back centuries. An artistic form that focuses on challenging physical limitations, acrobatics is considered the quintessence of China’s strength and power as a nation. At the Shanghai Circus school, students ranging in age from six to fifteen must complete a seven-year programme before working as professionals. Guo Jing and Ke Dingding reveal the hard experiences of a group of children before they become acrobats, and show the inhuman treatments they suffer as well as the victory and extraordinary power of humankind they experience when making a success of their tough training. In a vérité style akin to that of pioneers such as Frederick Wiseman, the filmmakers give us a rare and unfettered look at the intense daily regime of several students and teachers at this lauded institution, as they prepare for a national competition.

Fotografia (colore) / Photography (colour) Ke Dingding
Montaggio / Editing Guo Jing
Suono / Sound Guo Jing
Produzione / Production Ke Dingding, ITVS
Anno di produzione / Year of production 2006
Durata / Running time 100’
Formato / Format

Guo Jing

Born 1976 in Shanghai. After her graduation from the Journalism Department of Fudan University she works as director and editor.

Ke Dingding

Born 1965 in Shanghai. He graduated from the Electronic Engineering Department of The Institute Of Chengdu Radio Engineering. He has been working as photographer and director since 1995 and made following films: Fruitful Summer (2003, Joris Ivens Award at the 26th film festival of Cinema du Reel 2004 and Best First Film at the 2nd Documentary Festival of Doclisboa 2004), 2006, All About My Friends (2007). Circus School (2006) was screened at 29th Film Festival of Cinéma du Réel 2007 (SCAM Prize) and at the Viennale Film Festival 2007.