About the Film

In 1981, Vince Pagliano produced the first clown convention on the shores of New Jersey. Twenty-seven years later, Clownfest is continuing to attract hundreds of clowns from all over the world. CLOWNFEST: FIVE DAYS IN THE ALLEY is a documentary examining the people and events that make up the week long convention that takes place in Seaside Heights, New Jersey each summer. This personal glimpse into the psychology of a professional clown explores not only the artistic and entrepreneurial spirit of clowning but also the subjects' deeply rooted desires to entertain and inspire those around them.

Claire Fogarty came to Clownfest on a whim in an attempt to break free from her daily routine in Dublin, Ireland. What she found was a passion for clowning she never knew existed. Joe Barney spent eight years working in the banking industry before realizing his true calling was to make people laugh for a living. Vince Pagliano is the life blood of Clownfest, but his wife, Rosalind, is the glue that holds his family together.

CLOWNFEST: FIVE DAYS IN THE ALLEY documents the 27 year old convention and provides a rare look into the fascinating world of professional clowning. As our good friend "Doc Geezer" says, "It is quite an honor to be allowed into the clown alley."