Although the MVFF has included programming for children since 2006 (not to mention a few films actually made by kids), Cinema Circus came into being in 2009 and is the brainchild of Lindsey Scott, who later became the MVFF's Director of Children's Programs.
In addition to live-action and animated films for children, Cinema Circus events also include performances by musicians, clowns, acrobats, jugglers, hula hoopers, unicyclists, stilt walkers, and puppeteers, along with face painting, costumes, and healthy snacks and meals.