Grazing the Sky

"Grazing the Sky" takes a revealing look at the incredible physical feats of circus acrobats, and tells compelling stories of men and women confronting adversity—including the ever-present risk of debilitating injury. They pay a price for a life in the spotlight which entails years of study and practice, strict discipline, an ongoing commitment to learning new skills, and constant travel far from home.Director Horacio Alcalá has been involved with the circus arts for seven years, including with Cirque du Soleil. He travelled to 11 different countries over the course of five years, following eight different acrobats to capture their stories. These interviews are masterfully cut together with artfully staged performances exhibiting poise and grace.This intimate portrait of circus arts explores a new reality where aspiring circus performers can learn their craft in specialized schools, rather than through family apprenticeships. The trapeze becomes a metaphor for life ambitions, which the danger of their art throws into sharp contrast with great poignancy.