Director/Writer/Producer Jerzy Skolimowski (Deep End, The Shout, Moonlighting) and Writer/Producer Ewa Piaskowska talk about the six Sardinian donkeys who star in their new film EO, this year’s Polish Oscar entry for Best International Feature and the winner of the Jury Prize at Cannes.
This is one of Skolimowski's most free and visually inventive films yet, following the travels of a nomadic grey donkey named EO. After being removed from the traveling circus, which is the only life he’s ever known, EO begins a trek across the Polish and Italian countryside, experiencing cruelty and kindness in equal measure, all the while observing the follies and triumphs of humankind. During his travels, EO is both helped and hindered by a cast of characters that includes a young Italian priest (Lorenzo Zurzolo), a Countess (Isabelle Huppert), and a rowdy Polish soccer team.
Loosely inspired by Robert Bresson’s Au Hasard Balthazar, which Skolimowski has admitted to be the only film that has ever made him cry, and featuring immersive, stunning cinematography by Michal Dymek coupled by Pawel Mykietyn resonant score, the film puts the viewer in the perspective of its four-legged protagonist. EO’s journey speaks to the world around us, an equine hero boldly pointing out societal ills, and serving as warning to the dangers of neglect and inaction, all while on a quest for freedom.
In this cool video, hear the filmmaker and his wife and co-writer co-producer Ewa Piaskowska talk about their four legged stars!
