"If you can train one animal, you can make a living with it. But now times have changed." With these words, Derrick Rosaire Sr. summed up the point of the award-winning documentary Circus Rosaire.  Being the patriarch of the family that descended from nine generations of roaming animal trainers, he has lived through the time when a circus featuring wild animals was a sought after attraction. Now he sees his circus in an uphill battle against modern modes of entertainments and against evolving views on the proper animal treatment.  The 90-minute documentary is a feature film debut for the director Robyn Bliley.

Filmed over five years at the Rosaire's sprawling property at Sarasota, Florida, Circus Rosaire is a moving family photo album, featuring five Rosaire children - all trainers to different animals - who have also passed on the legacy to their children.  The Rosaire family includes the wild animals they keep and train. Brown bear wrestled with Derrick Rosaire Jr. and his two sons. Pamela Rosaire Zoppe raised chimpanzees alongside her own daughter Dallas, who grew up to train horses and dogs. Kay Rosaire trains lions and tigers.

Despite being allergic to cats, she has the distinction of being the only woman in the world to put her head in a tiger's mouth. Performances have been rare but always memorable. Spectators are often left wide-eyed after the comic or scary stunts performed by the animals.  Yet, the essence of the film is in the intimate exposition of the Rosaires' daily life with their pets. The simple but moving narration is what might have won Circus Rosaire its multiple awards around the US.  

The harsh realities of their lifestyle, from the financial difficulties due to the unstable nature of their trade to the perils of being attacked by their wild pets, were presented in a casual manner. The film did not resort to dramatics, as it showed Linda Rosaire getting ready for her job at WalMart or Derrick Rosaire Jr. (grandson to Derrick Sr.) loosening a bandage around his mauled leg, a souvenir of a bear attack. The Rosaire trainers face such risks every single day, because, as one family member put it, "even if they [animals] love you, they'll hurt you." And when death occurs among the animals - there were several during the course of the filming - the family mourns as deeply as if losing a kin.  

Then there were animal welfare groups, vehemently protesting against the Rosaires' livelihood. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), a worldwide animal rights organization, even launched a campaign to remove animals from circuses. Such groups take to the streets, accusing trainers of cruelty to animals, branding their profession as a joke.  On the other hand, viewers see chimpanzees clinging to a Rosaire family member for an embrace or the gigantic servings of produce doled out by these trainers of meagre means to their pets. Viewers also witness Kay Rosaire educating spectators about animal extinction during performances. Do the protesters know of the lavish care and affection this family gives to the animals? The Rosaires defend themselves, claiming that their pets, who are captive-born, found sanctuary in their home. "They are not a commodity to us; they are the extension of the family."

 The film lets viewers in on the Rosaires' preparation for a show not seen for over 50 years - the whole family performing on their very turf. Strong sense of tradition, which runs in the veins of the family, holds them together in this brave endeavour. They hope that people will come to their show.  Overall, the film has the feel of a friendly visit to a rowdy, eccentric family in your neighbourhood.  Inspiring tears of sadness and joy, Circus Rosaire is for those who find heroes among common folks. The documentary is a testimony to the dying craft and life-style and to the family that keeps them alive. Its final screening for the Vancouver International Film Festival will be on October 9, 2008 at 12:15 pm.