DIRECTOR: Jerzy Skolimowski
PRODUCERS: Jerzy Skolimowski, Ewa Piaskowska
PRODUCTION CO: Skopia Film, Alien Films
SCREENPLAY: Jerzy Skolimowski, Ewa Piaskowska
PHOTOGRAPHY: Michał Dymek
EDITOR: Agnieszka ​Glińska
MUSIC: Paweł Mykietyn
WITH: Sandra Drzymalska (Kasandra), Lorenzo Zurzolo (Vito), Mateusz Kościukiewicz (Mateo), Isabelle Huppert (Countess), Saverio Fabbri (Animal trader)

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FESTIVALS: Cannes

REVIEW

“Veteran director Jerzy Skolimowski returns in triumphant form with this lovely tale of animal life. Sometimes harsh, sometimes sweet, always beautiful, EO tells the story of a donkey and its journey through a world dominated by humans. As the film begins, EO is living a happy life as part of a circus, performing alongside Kasandra (Sandra Dryzmalska). When animal-rights protesters disrupt the situation, the poor creature is shipped off to Italy; the rest of the film portrays its subsequent adventures, which include becoming part of a petting zoo, getting involved in a Polish soccer game, and encountering a countess. As certain readers might have gathered by now, EO is an homage to Robert Bresson’s masterpiece Au hasard Balthazar. Though their methods are different, Bresson and Skolimowski both use their animal protagonists as litmus tests for humanity, with their varying treatments showing the best and the worst in us. Where Bresson is austere and suggestive, Skolimowski is emotive and lyrical; this is a wonderfully moving film.”

– Vancouver International Film Festival 2022

“[Donkeys] are gentle, caring, respectful, polite and loyal. They live to the fullest in the present moment. They never show narcissism. They do not skimp on the supposed intentions of their character; and never discuss their director's vision. They are excellent actors.”

​– Jerzy Skolimowski

FILM SOCIETY SCREENINGS

Carterton   
Monday 28 February, 7.00pm

Westport   
Wednesday 12 March, 7.00pm

​Nelson 
Wednesday, 28 May, 6.00pm

Wellington  
Monday, 14 July, 6.15pm

Wellington  
Monday, 14 July, 8.30pm

​Queenstown 
Tuesday, 09 September, 8.00pm

Canterbury     
Monday, 06 October, 7.00pm

​​Whanganui   
Monday, 13 October, 7.00pm
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