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Soillse: Series 6

Soillse: Series 6: Episode 17: Bàllaichean-canain Daonna/Human Cannonballs

Episode 17

Episode 17: Bàllaichean-canain Daonna/Human Cannonballs

Series 6

Bàllaichean-canain Daonna/Human Cannonballs

BBC ALBA - Soillse, Series 6, Bàllaichean-canain Daonna/Human Cannonballs

Could anything be more dangerous than propelling yourself out of a cannon?

Documentary providing an fascinating insight into the life of the human cannonball, daredevil performers that blast themselves from cannons.

Human cannonballs are a unique breed of daredevil performer. They blast themselves out of monstrous cannons and soar through the air for incredible distances before, hopefully, landing in a large safety net.

It's estimated that out of the 50 people who have ever fired themselves out of a barrel, only 32 have lived to tell the tale. And those who do survive often suffer extensive injuries. So who are these fearless stunt people? And what drives them to do such a dangerous and surreal feat for a living? 

The film takes us across America to meet the masters of human cannonballing - Ermes Zamperla and Elvin Bale, both of whom have experienced a shot that went horribly wrong. Human Cannonballs is a fascinating insight into the bizarre lives of these extreme performers. It lifts the lid on a secretive and surreal world, and gives viewers a close-up look at the most legendary and dangerous circus act of all.

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Series 6

Episode 17: Bàllaichean-canain Daonna/Human Cannonballs

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