The Festival is full of Circus stars in the International Technical Jury as well as featuring stars performing in the ring. This distinguished Jury will be deciding who wins the Gold (Latina d’Oro), Silver (Latina d’Argento), and Bronze (Latina di Bronzo) awards. The International Technical Jury of the Festival is formed of 22 Circus luminaries: people who are owners or directors of the most important circuses or Circus academies around the world, as well as people working in the business, artistic or political spheres connected to the world of the Circus. This international Jury has the task of watching all the competing numbers and voting on them, taking into consideration the following criteria: originality of the performance, choreography, technical skill, and level of difficulty.
1. Katya Arata Quiroga – United States of America
Circus Vargas, Director
Katya Arata Quiroga, is a seventh-generation artist of her celebrated circus family, daughter of legendary Italian tightwire performer Vittorio Arata and Ingrid Osmani-Kaiser, an acrobat and juggler from a famous circus dynasty of The Netherlands. Brought up in Amsterdam, Katya studied classical ballet and piano at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague. Katy’s successful artistic career culminated in a Clown d’Or at the 28th edition of the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo with a sensational flying trapeze number with the Flying Tabares. In 2005 Katya Arata and her husband, Nelson Quiroga, took over Circus Vargas, and since then they have worked on producing unique and spectacular shows of a high technical level.
2. Odette Bouglione – France
Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione, President
Born in Paris, Odette Bouglione is a member of an eminent Circus family, and spent her childhood in the celebrated Cirque d’Hiver. From the age of 16 she worked internationally as a performer in a variety of disciplines, and travelled the world over a period of twenty years with the Circo Florilegio of Darix Togni. Since 2006 Odette has been back in Paris where, with her brothers and sisters, she is involved in the artistic direction of the Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione and of other family productions. Odette Bouglione has been President of this historical French Circus company since 2021.
3. Jean-Jacques Clérico – France
Moulin Rouge, Director General
Jean-Jacques Clérico is President and owner of the world famous Moulin Rouge, which this year celebrates its 140th anniversary. The Clérico family has been brilliantly running this legendary establishment since 1956. The Moulin Rouge isn’t just the most famous cabaret club in the world; it is also living heritage, a universally-known French brand. Welcoming 600.000 spectators every year, the Moulin Rouge amazes the its international audiences with over 60 artistes on stage, 1000 feather and rhinestone costumes, grandiose sets and the famous and unique French Cancan.
4. Sandor Donnert – United Kingdom
Donnert Entertainment, Director
With an English mother and a Hungarian father, Sandor Donnert worked as a performer until 2016, in particular as a juggler on horseback. In 2015 he started a new venture, the Donnert Agency, and began working as an agent and talent scout for performers in various Circus disciplines for shows and events around the world. In 2018 Sandor and his family launched their most recent Circus adventure in the Netherlands, The Magical World of Circus. Since then he has also produced the Christmas Circus of The Hague, also in the Netherlands, and is co-producer of the Aachen Weihnachtscircus in Germany.
5. Peter Dubinsky – United States of America
Firebird Productions Inc., President
Following a Degree in scenic arts and a Directorship of the Moscow Circus, which inspired in him a strong interest in Circus arts, Peter Dubinsky founded Firebird Productions Inc., of which he is still President. In this capacity he produces high-profile live shows for North-American Theme Parks as well as more traditional Circus shows. Experience and know-how in his chosen field have earned Peter Dubinsky worldwide recognition as well as many important and prestigious international awards.
6. Susy Eötvös – Ungheria
Capital Circus of Budapest
A seventh-generation performer from a renowned Hungarian circus family, Susy Eötvös has performed as both a juggler and an aerial acrobat since her youth. For many years, she worked alongside her family at the Eötvös Cirkusz. For the past six years, she has served as the international relations manager for the Budapest State Circus (Fővárosi Nagycirkusz). Speaking to our office, Susy said: “Italy holds a special place in my heart; I was born in Tuscany and spent my childhood and adolescence there. My life today? The Circus!”
7. Alain Frère – Principality of Monaco
Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival: co-founder with Prince Rainier III and Artistic Consultant to the Organising Committee
Alain Frère, decorated by both the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco for his cultural undertakings, is a Medical Doctor. He is also currently the Vice-Mayor of the city of Tourrette-Levens in France; previously he was the Mayor of the same city from 1983, and held the role for 37 years. A huge Circus fan, in 1974 he contributed, alongside His Serene Highness Prince Rainier III, towards the founding of the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo, of which he is still Artistic Advisor within the organizing committee and for Her Serene Highness Princess Stéphanie of Monaco. Dr. Alain Frère is also the owner of a renowned museum in Tourrette-Levens which contains a valuable private collection of stage costumes worn by some of the most celebrated performers in the history of the Circus.
8. Renato Fuentes – Venezuela
Los Valentinos, Director
Renato Fuentes represents the third artistic generation of his circus family. A seasoned entertainer, Renato performed as an exuberant clown. He subsequently moved into production and became an entrepreneur in the Circus field and in Theme Parks, creating the Los Valentinos brand, which successfully operates in Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela. Along with his brother, Valentino, he is director of one of South America’s most important circuses.
9. Raul Gasca – Mexico
Circo Hermanos Gasca, President
Raul Gasca is a prominent member of one of the most iconic Circus families in America: the Fuentes Gasca family run one of the biggest chains of circus companies in the world. A versatile and multi-talented performer, Raul started working in the ring at a very young age, as is the custom among Circus families, learning several disciplines along the way. His hashtag #EPOINONDITECHENONVIAVEVOAVVISATO has become very popular amongst his followers.
10. Sergii Kabakov – Ukraine
Ukraine State Circus Company, General and Artistic Director
Sergii Kabakov has been active in the international Circus world since 1987. He is currently General Director and Artistic Director of the Ukraine State Circus Company. He is President of the Board of Directors of state circus enterprises in Ukraine. He has been decorated in his country with honours for his prolific efforts to promote and sustain circus traditions and culture.
11. Sasha Köllner – Germany
Dresdner Weihnachtscircus, Director
A seventh-generation artistic performer of his family, Sascha Köllner says that he carries the circus in his heart and in his blood. In love with the Circus ring from a very young age, Sascha performed across Europe for many years as an acrobat and horse trainer, an expert in dressage. He currently directs the Christmas Circus of Dresden, in Saxony, with his brothers. His talent and creative spirit, aimed at preserving the traditions of European Circus, shines through in every show he produces.
12. Elmar Kretz – Germany
Ravensburger Weihnachtscircus, Director
Elmar Kretz, who has always loved horses, grew up in Bavaria, where he originally worked in the hotel and restaurant industry, following in family tradition. But, after seeing a big German Circus in his home town, his life changed completely. Since his artistic début in 2001, Elmar Kretz has worked in many important circuses, and today he is Director of Ravensburger Christmas Circus, which he founded when he was only twenty-nine years old. It is one of Germany’s most popular Christmas shows, already seen by 850,000 people. During the last edition of the International Circus Festival of Italy, Elmar Kretz appeared with his liberty horses number, in which he interacted gently with Arabian, Andalusian, and Lipizzaner horses in a performance that was both technically seamless and artistically pleasing to audiences of all ages.
13. Agustín Maluenda Quezada – Chile
Circo di Pastelito e Tachuela Chico, Director and Clown
Agustín Maluenda Quezada, artiste, director, and professional clown, has an entertainment career that has lasted for 58 years: a real star in South America. He is the only clown to have been awarded the Copihue De Oro, a prestigious annual entertainment award in Chile. Still active in the Circus of his son, Pastelito de Chile, and of his grandson, Pastelito Jr, Agustìn Maluenda Quezada is the clown Tachuela Chico for everyone: he performed as this character with his brother Joachìn in 2004, when they entertained Pope John Paul II. His popularity also stems from the many TV shows he has appeared in. Agustín Maluenda Quezada has, for several years, been a member of International Technical Juries in the most important circus events around the world.
14. Fulvio Medini – Italy
Internazionale Happy Circus – Director and e Producer
Fulvio Medini, a member of a historical Italian Circus family along with his brothers Daniele and Bruno, is Director and Producer of Internazionale Happy Circus, one of Italy’s best-loved travelling shows. A perfect combination of deep-rooted traditions and modern innovations can be seen under the Big Top of Happy Circus. The cast features internationally famous performers who have already won prizes at Latina. Performances include hilarious clowns and multifaceted performances of juggling, acrobatics, and illusion numbers. Fulvio, Daniele and Bruno Medini prioritise providing a warm welcome to audiences, especially their youngest guests. Happy Circus is a magical journey created to offer pure entertainment and fun for all the family.
15. Ruan Min – China
Expert in Circus arts, live performance and cultural projects
Ruan Min is an international expert in Circus arts, live performance, and cultural projects, with consolidated experience in planning, producing and running festivals, shows and big events. He has held managerial roles in the entertainment sphere, and has taken part in important international festival and circus competitions as an expert and jury member. He is a member of the International Exchange Committee of the China Acrobatics Association and has taken part in forums and other initiatives dedicated to development and international cooperation within the circus arts sector. During his career he has contributed to the creating of 20 big themed cultural events and over 30 different projects, gaining significant experience in the management of projects, in artistic coordination, and in the international advancement of live performances.
16. Irina Naumenko – Canada
Cirque du Soleil, Touring Shows Division – Casting Advisor
Irina Naumenko has worked as an artist in the entertainment industry for over 25 years: during her long career as a performer, Irina has been able to broaden her horizons by direct contact with numerous companies around the world, including with Cirque du Soleil, where she worked as a hand balancer and contortionist in the productions Varekai 2003 – 2011 and Joya 2014 – 2016 as well as in special events. Following a successful career as a performer, Irina then went on to become a consultant in Cirque’s casting department. Showbiz, and in particular the circus, has always had a special place in Irina’s heart, and over the years she has gained valuable understanding of the business, of the creative process of putting on a show and of the demands of acrobatic performance; this allows her to fully appreciate the daily difficulties faced by circus performers, with whom she shares both vision and perspective.
17. Erdene Nergui – Mongolia
Mongolian Circus Production – President
Erdene Nergui is a central figure in the international circus panorama, chiefly known as President of the Mongolian Circus Production. A renowned producer and artistic director, Erdene Nergui promotes the excellence of Mongolian Circus with the Erdene Negui Troupe, who specialise in acrobatics and contortionism. His shows have appeared in the most important venues around the world. Erdene Nergui presented a new production entitled World Circus of Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar in April, coinciding with the 85 years of history of the Mongolian Circus, in a renovated permanent Circus and with a prestigious cast both in the ring and surrounding it.
18. Adans Peres – Spain
Starlight Productions & Show Business
Adans Peres, with his brother Ivan, has won all of the most prestigious international awards, combining strong athleticism with artistic talent and stage presence: the Peres brothers performed their hand to hand number as Duo Peres at the International Circus Festival of Latina in 2010, and went on to win a Clown d’Argent at the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival. As a manager and entrepreneur, Adans founded the Starlight Productions & Show Business agency, which has become an unrivalled point reference for the best circus performers from around the world, as well as being a Gold Partner of the recent 24th edition of the International Circus Festival of Italy.
19. Urs Pilz – Switzerland
Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival, Vice President and Artistic Director
European Circus Association, President
Fédération Mondiale du Cirque, President
Urs Pilz was born in Switzerland in 1941 and, on completing his schooling, he began a career in the world of fashion, later becoming Vice-President of the Bogner label. Interested in the world of the Circus for many years, Urs Pilz worked with the Circus Knie and in international relations at the Circus Krone in Munich. In 1981 he began his important association with the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival, first as a judge, and then as coordinator of the Jury, eventually becoming Artistic Director and Vice-President, a role which sees him as one of Her Serene Highness Princess Stéphanie of Monaco’s closest associates. He is also President of the two key Circus associations: Fédération Mondiale du Cirque and the European Circus Association.
20. Louisa Raluy – Spain
Circo Raluy Legacy, Director
Louisa Raluy Rastall, born in Italy, has half English and half Italian origins. She represents the fourth generation of a celebrated circus family. Winning a special award for 100 years of activity and heritage, The Legacy, directed by sisters Louisa and Kerry Raluy Rastal, is considered to be one of the most significant circuses in the world. Her efforts to maintain the essence of the golden days of Circus, which is represented alongside the latest performance trends, make Circo Raluy an original Circus and a real point of reference on the international scene. Raluy Legacy doesn’t end with shows, though: the charm of over 40 traditional caravans has made it one of the most important circus museums in the world; a voyage of history and innovation. She has worked all over the world with her circus, has directed a Festival in Spain, and has been a member of numerous International Technical Juries. Louisa speaks eight languages and has studied in the fields of psychology and journalism.
21. Frederico Reder – Brazil
Reder Circus, Founder and Director
Frederico Reder is an internationally-famous artiste, entrepreneur, and director. He began his career as a stage actor at the age of 9, and later distinguished himself as a manager, director and impresario; in 2016 he created the genre of Doc musicals, an innovative format that unites theatre with audio-visual narratives. Founder of the award-winning Reder Circus, a national point of reference that has gained public favour with successful seasons and awards such as the Picadeiro and the Governor’s Award, Reder has also reached the milestone of managing 6 theatres and 4 circuses around the country at the same time. He was a judge for LIESA at the Rio de Janeiro Carnival and has been on the juries of important international circus festivals in the USA, Italy, Spain, Peru, Argentina, and Chile.
22. Aldo Vazquez – United States of America
Circus Vazquez USA and FLIP Circus USA, Director
Aldo Vazquez, who grew up in the Circus, has vast experience across the board of production and logistics of Circus shows. At the moment, he heads a team of over 70 people, but he was a performer for thirty years, both as an acrobat and as an animal trainer. He is currently the Director of two units: Circo Vazquez USA and Circo FLIP USA. In both units he is responsible for the technical and logistical side as well as the artistic direction.
