WILD WOMEN - GENTLE BEASTS

WILD WOMEN – GENTLE BEASTS

Director: Anka Schmid
Documentary | CH | 2015
96 min | Dolby 5.1

49th Hof International Film Festival
2015

Animal tamers shine in the spotlight and struggle for their existence behind the scenes: Namayca, Carmen, Nadeshda, Aliya and Anosa are five charismatic animal tamers from four different countries. They work in the circus and train tigers, lions and bears. Between toiling and smiling, the female circus artists disclose their passion for their “wild” animals and extraordinary profession. As dominatrixes and cuddly types, they toy in the ring with the contrast between docile women and wild beasts. They surmount their own boundaries and subject themselves to mortal dangers: a dangerous show full of dedication, discipline and physical perfection. The close relationship to their animals is sensual – and immensely exhausting.