Films We Like Presents
Opens across Canada beginning Friday, November 25, 2022
Toronto, (TIFF Bell Lightbox); Vancouver (Vancity); Montreal (Cinema du Park);
Ottawa (Bytowne Cinema); Calgary (Plaza Theatre); Edmonton (Metro Cinema)
(for the list of all openings scroll to the bottom of the release)
Wednesday, October 19, 2022: Following its successful North American Premiere at TIFF 2022 and Jury Prize at Cannes 2022, “EO” by legendary Polish director Jerzy Skolimowski opens across Canada on Friday, November 25, 2022.
With his first film in seven years, Skolimowski (Deep End, Moonlighting) directs one of his most free and visually inventive films yet, following the travels of a nomadic gray 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 including 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, and featuring immersive, stunning cinematography by Michal Dymek coupled with Pawel Mykietyn’s resonant score, Skolimowski’s 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.
Six donkeys were cast to play EO: Tako, Hola, Marietta, Ettore, Rocco, and Mela.”
During his career, Jerzy Skolimowski directed many great actors, including Robert Duvall and Jeremy Irons - “two of the most generous, marvelous beings with whom I have ever worked” – but directing a donkey on screen called for other resources.
“Directors use intellectual arguments and emotional language to provoke actors to deliver the desired effect”, said Skolimowski. “With my donkey, the only way to persuade him to do anything was with tenderness: words whispered in his ear and a few friendly caresses. Raising your voice, showing impatience or nervousness would have been the fastest path to disaster.”
Skolimowski added. "The main difference is that donkeys don't know what 'acting' is, they can't pretend anything - they simply ARE. They 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.”
ABOUT FILMS WE LIKE
Founded by award-winning documentary filmmaker Ron Mann (Grass, Comic Book Confidential, Carmine Street Guitars) Films We Like is a boutique distributor of documentary, independent, and international films in Canada. Recent releases include Anonymous Club, The Passengers of the Night and Montana Story
-30-.
Running time: 88 minutes
Poland/Italy
Photos, press notes are available for download at: www.filmswelike.com/films/eo
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrBeSQbdXm
EO is playing across Canada
Media contact:
Virginia Kelly, virginia@vkpr.ca