Jackie LeClaire (center) is one of the oldest living professional circus clowns and a subject in Scott Galloway's new film. "Children of All Ages" will be screened at the Charlotte Film Festival Saturday.

Davidson independent filmmaker Scott Galloway was in Florida a few years ago working on a project for the Ringling Museum when he was approached by an old circus publicist who wanted his attention.

“Can I show you something?” the fellow asked. He led Mr. Galloway nearby to where the world’s largest miniature circus was under construction. That encounter was the genesis of Mr. Galloway’s latest film, a circus documentary called “Children of All Ages.” The 80-minute film will be screened Saturday as part of the 3rd annual Charlotte Film Festival.

“It’s a sort of three-ring narrative,” Mr. Galloway said in an interview. The film, produced and directed by Mr. Galloway and Brent Pierson, intertwines the stories of the miniature circus, the longest-running children’s circus and some of the greatest living circus performers.

“The film is essentially a celebration of the circus and its importance,” Mr. Galloway said.

Mr. Galloway was co-director previously of “A Man Named Pearl,” a documentary that profiled Pearl Fryar, a self-taught topiary artist in Bishopville, S.C.

Mr. Galloway’s latest film debuted in Sarasota, Fla., and is being screened at eight film festivals. He says it eventually will be released on DVD. (Like “A Man Named Pearl,” it was edited by Greg Grzeszczak, with music by Fred Story.)

“Children of All Ages” will be shown along with Jenny Mackenzie’s 25-minute short documentary called “Kick Like a Girl,” a look at an undefeated third-grade girls’ soccer team that competes against boys.

WANT TO GO?

“Children of All Ages,” 80 min.
Saturday, Sept. 27, 2:40 p.m.
Discovery Place Wachovia Science Theater
301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte
704-372-6261
Tickets and info: www.charlottefilmfestival.org/shop/