It Takes A Circus doc -- Polishing & Promotion!

On December 9, 2020, Zoe and I -- exhausted but elated -- turned in the thesis assignment for our Columbia Journalism School master's degrees.

Our project, It Takes A Circus, is a 28-minute documentary following teens Bre and Aaliyah as they persevere through complicated backstories and a nation reckoning with its mistreatment of Black citizens. The girls' strength lies in part in the support they receive from the Trenton Circus Squad, an after-school program that, in addition to teaching them how to juggle, dance with silks, and spin on unicycles, provides them and their friends with food, healthcare, and an emotional refuge. 

We spent more than a year shooting, editing, and producing our project, and based on the glowing reviews from close friends and family who have seen it, we are eager to move forward with It Takes A Circus, broadcasting it to audiences around the world. 

We kindly and humbly ask for your support in order to make that dream a reality. Film festival applications cost money and add up quickly, and color correction, sound mixing, scoring, licensing, and publicizing are also hefty expenses.

We believe that It Takes A Circus can be a conversation starter for viewers from all political ideologies, and we know that BIPOC children in particular will feel inspired watching circus performed by folks who are often underrepresented in that arena. Furthermore, we are excited and hopeful at the prospect that the stars of our film can travel with us (once it is safe to do so) and speak to audiences everywhere about their lived experiences.

Thank you so much for your generous support. It really does take a circus, and we cannot do this without all of you. 

Much love,

Sarah and Zoe