Trailer
Documentary Film - 2026
Tucked away in northern Indiana, the city of Peru, Indiana is the circus capitol of the world.
Thousands of visitors and townspeople come to this town for two weeks to see the annual amateur circus.
Performed by only the local kids, fueled with the rich history and culture of the circus in Peru, this show is anything but amateur.
Directed and Produced by: Erik Thein
Produced, Cinematography, and Editing by: Kurtis Bowersock
Sound Mixing by: Shelby Watson
Sound Editing by: Michael Montanari
Color by: Connor Jones
Poster Design by: Jon Rohlf
“This film is very special to me. Being able to document this community was an incredible experience.
No place like the circus, and no place like Peru Indiana. You have to experience this yourself.”
Erik Thein - Director
Festivals
“An honest, heartwarming look at an Indiana community and what brings them together - which just happens to be an incredible circus program.”
Rocky Walls - 12 Stars Media
“A very fun study of a microcosm, I will absolutely be going to the next festival Peru Indiana throws and will be seated for the next Erik Thein documentary!!!”
Jude Snyder - Filmmaker
