Circus International Film Festival: Meet the 2023 Jury – Izzi Kessner (USA)

A festival jury is no mysterious cabal that judges the rights and wrongs of art; rather, they are a team of fellow circus artists, creators, producers, and professionals, each of who contributes their unique perspective. Over the next few weeks, the Circus International Film Festival will help us get to know some members of its jury and learn how they see art and the world—starting with American performer Izzi Kesner.

Izzi Kessner (they/them) is a circus artist from Los Angeles, California. They are currently a first-year student at l’Ecole de Cirque de Québec. Izzi specializes in aerial rope and strives to tell powerful stories through contemporary circus arts, often relating to their trans nonbinary gender identity. They also create video content, primarily through their Instagram page, to be a voice for young LGBTQ+ individuals and advocate for equality and acceptance.  Through their work, they have performed and coached circuses throughout the United States and partnered with major brands such as Nike.