Pro-Animal Agenda or Creative Interest? The Reception of Jerzy Skolimowski’s Film „EO”
Pro-Animal Agenda or Creative Interest? The Reception of Jerzy Skolimowski’s Film „EO”

Summary/Abstract: Jerzy Skolimowski’s EO, premiering at the 75th Cannes International Film Festival in May 2022 and earning a Cannes jury award, has drawn attention from the media and the pro-animal community. The film offers a unique perspective, narrating a donkey’s global journey and highlighting human-induced adventures and injustices. Skolimowski’s innovative narrative and stylistic choices center EO as a protagonist advocating for nonhuman animals and ecological awareness. Media hailed the film as an animal rights manifesto, while Skolimowski aimed to evoke viewers’ emotions and protest against animal cruelty. In contrast, this analysis focuses on audience research to capture how regular viewers perceive the film. The article implies a triangulation of research methods: film analysis, the discourse of the critical-film community and the reception of non-specialist audiences. Its theoretical foundation is built upon references from both film studies and animal studies. It contrasts directorial intent, media coverage, and critical acclaim with common adult viewers’ perspectives, exploring the impact of techniques like anthropomorphism on emotional engagement. Two focus group interviews highlight differences in assessing the film’s societal significance and influence between specialized and general audiences.

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