Universidad Pedagógica Nacional “Francisco Morazán”

Facultad de Humanidades
Departamento de la Enseñanza de Lenguas / English Program
English Level IV

Activity: The Butterfly Circus

Instructions

1. Watch the Butterfly Circus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMnrUTCrAho

2. Once you watch it, complete the short film review:

Student’s Name: Lourdes Melissa Luque Avila.

ID: 703200203190
Date: Saturday February 17th, 2023.

Title: The Butterfly Circus

Director:
Who are the main Character/s?
Describe them
What is the storyline or plot?
Joshua Weigel
 -Mr. Mendez - The charismatic master of the Butterfly
Circus. He leads the troupe and plays a pivotal role in
transforming the lives of the characters.
 -Will - The main attraction of the carnival sideshow, born
with tetra-amelia syndrome, lacking limbs. He becomes a
central character as he joins the Butterfly Circus and
discovers his hidden talents.
 -Various members of the Butterfly Circus - While not
specified, there are other characters in the circus with unique
backgrounds and sad pasts who find a second chance at life
under Mr. Mendez's guidance.

Set during the Great Depression in the 1930s, The Butterfly
Circus follows Mr. Mendez and his circus troupe as they
travel through Southern California, bringing entertainment to
people during difficult times. The story takes a turn when
they encounter a traveling carnival with a side show featuring
Will, who has tetra-amelia syndrome and is exhibited as an
"anomaly."

Will decides to leave the carnival and join the Butterfly

Circus. Mr. Mendez challenges him to go beyond being a
showman and encourages him to discover and showcase his
unique abilities. Over time, Will learns about the other
members of the circus, each with their own struggles and sad
pasts.

The plot takes an inspiring turn when Will discovers that he

can swim and decides to perform a challenging act at the
circus. Hoisted to the top of a tall pole, he submerges himself
in a small tank of water, displaying his newfound talent.
Throughout this journey, Will finds acceptance and happiness
not because of how he looks, but because of who he is and

Did you like this short film
Why?
 Your opinion – Why did you
like/dislike it?
 What was your favorite part? And
why?
 If you could change something, what
would it be and why?
 Did you like the character/s? Who
was your favorite character? Why?
List at least 5 adjectives you would use to
describe this short film:
 What did you learn from the short
film?
 What’s the message of the short
film?
 What advice can you get from the
short film?
what he can bring to the circus. Ultimately, the story conveys
a message of resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative
power of acceptance.
Yes/No
 I really liked the film, to be honest, I had already had
the opportunity to see it before, every time I see it I
cry, it is incredible how in a 22 minute and 35 minutes
film they show many things, some of them are
depression and how you overcome it when You are
close to people who do you good, who value you and
who make you look and feel special.
 I really liked it when Mr. Mendez really saw how
magnificent, perfect and valuable Wil is.
 I wouldn't really change anything, the film is perfect
the way it is, I just really love it.
 Yes, I liked the characters, but the one I loved the
most was Mr. Mendez, for seeing the simplicity,
beauty and perfection in people no matter what defects
they have.
1. Inspirational
2. Uplifting
3. Transformative
4. Heartwarming
5. Resilient
 I learned that I must accept myself as I am, because if
I first see how valuable I am, no one will be able to
see it.
 -Acceptance: The story seems to convey a message
about the importance of accepting individuals for
whom they are beyond their physical appearance or
differences.
-Resilience: The characters, especially Will, may
showcase resilience in overcoming challenges and
societal prejudices.
-Self-discovery: Will's journey of discovering his
hidden talent and finding a sense of purpose in the
circus could emphasize the theme of self-discovery
and embracing one's unique abilities.
-Second chances: The mention of Mr. Mendez giving
the circus members a second chance in life suggests a
theme of redemption and the possibility of positive
change.
-Community and support: The bond among the
circus members and their willingness to support each
other, as well as Mr. Mendez's role in providing
guidance, may underscore the significance of
community and support in facing life's challenges.
 -Embrace Your Uniqueness: The film can encourage
people to embrace their unique qualities and talents,

 Do you think watching films like
this can help you have different
perspectives in life? How?
understanding that everyone has something valuable
to offer.
-Look beyond appearances: Possible advice could be
to look beyond physical appearances and differences
when forming opinions about others, recognizing the
richness of individual personalities and capabilities.
-Discover and cultivate your talents: The story,
particularly when the character Will discovers his
ability to swim, could suggest the importance of self-
discovery and cultivating one's talents as a source of
empowerment.
-Support and encourage others: The strong bond
between circus members and Mr. Mendez's role as a
guide could convey the importance of supporting and
encouraging others on their journey, offering second
chances and fostering a sense of community.
-Find value in contributions: The film could suggest
that true value lies in what individuals can contribute
and achieve, rather than being defined solely by
external appearances or social expectations.
 Yes, watching movies with diverse and meaningful
narratives, like "The Butterfly Circus," can help give
you different perspectives on life. That is how:
1.Creating Empathy: Movies often allow viewers to
empathize with characters from diverse backgrounds
and experiences. This can foster a deeper
understanding of the challenges and triumphs that
different people face, promoting empathy and
compassion.
2.Diverse Representation: Films can show characters
with diverse identities, abilities, and life experiences.
Exposure to such diversity can broaden perspective,
challenge preconceived notions, and promote a more
inclusive mindset.
3.Inspiration and Motivation: Stories of resilience,
self-discovery and positive transformation, as hinted
at in the film summary, can inspire viewers.
Witnessing characters overcome adversity and find
purpose can motivate people to approach their own
challenges with a new perspective.
4.Cultural Awareness: Films often explore various
cultures, historical periods, and social issues.
Exposure to these diverse contexts can enhance
cultural awareness, encouraging viewers to appreciate
different ways of life and understand social
complexities.
5.Critical Thinking: Interacting with thought-
provoking films encourages critical thinking. Viewers
are able to reflect on the themes, messages, and
character dynamics presented in the story, leading
them to consider alternative points of view and
 question their own assumptions.
6.Humanize differences: Movies have the power to
humanize differences by portraying characters with
unique qualities and backgrounds in a relatable way.
This can break down stereotypes and foster a more
inclusive mindset by emphasizing the common
humanity that unites us all.

In short, films with diverse and meaningful narratives

can serve as powerful tools for personal growth,
encouraging viewers to see the world through
different lenses, promoting empathy, and fostering a
more nuanced understanding of life's complexities.

 Yes, I have felt like Will, because I do not see my own

 Have you ever felt like any of the
characters from the short film?
Explain your experience.
beauty, I do not see how valuable I am, I have had
depression for some years, I am having a hard time
getting out of this, but thank God little by little I am
achieving it, seeing again This short film made me
reflect more and I even feel more encouraged to
continue working on myself.

 I help myself by encouraging myself, telling

 When you don’t feel good, what do
you do to help yourself feel better?
Or what do you do to overcome
difficult situations in life?
myself that I am strong, that I can, that it is
okay to sometimes cry and get angry, I listen
to happy music and that restores my mood,
sometimes it is difficult to be well, but you
can always achieve it if you propose it.

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