Tearing Down the Tent (2009)

This documentary grants viewers a backstage pass to one of the largest traveling tent circuses in the world, the Cole Bros. Circus, based in DeLand, Florida. The film presents the circus through the eyes of Jamie Reel as he visits the circus for the first time with director, Michael Knox, who grew up traveling with the circus. During the filming, Knox reflects on his days with the Cole Bros. Circus, as Reel gets to experience circus life first hand. Through Reel's adventures we see a behind the scenes look at the circus life, with Reel standing in the Moto-Globe of Death with a motorcycle racing around his head, working as a clown, riding an elephant and working with the camels. Through this journey we try to explore the real story behind one of America's most beloved past times.