Zvieratá východu | in post-production | SK | 70 min. | documentary | poetic | coming of age | drama

Animals of the East

Director
Anna Ďurišíková, Andrej Kolenčík
Producer
Andrej Kolenčík
Co-producer
Roman Gensky, Viera Hlavinová 
Story
Anna Ďurišíková
Screenplay
Anna Ďurišíková, Andrej Kolenčík
DoP
Matej Jánošík
Editor
Vladimíra Vrbiňáková
Sound
Adam Matej
Synopsis

A poetic documentary set in a sanctuary for abused and handicapped “farm” animals in rural eastern Slovakia. The film follows life in the sanctuary during the cycle of the four seasons through the story of Blanka, a young mother who is the founder of the sanctuary, as well as the volunteers Emma and Kubo, young teenagers who find friendship and more in their shared love for animals. We also meet the rescued animals like Timmy, a friendly 3-legged sheep, and Masha, a blind cow who has a crush on Casper, a senior horse. Furthermore, the film documents the economic and social challenges faced by the founder, as she fundraises money to keep the sanctuary open and deals with inconsiderate regulations concerning animals. Fortunately, the inhabitants of the sanctuary have each other and create a sanctuary not only for animals but also for people.At the heart of the film are the themes of environmental consciousness, society’s lack of compassion and resistance through the act of caring for “farm” animals.

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Details
Director
Anna Ďurišíková, Andrej Kolenčík
Producer
Andrej Kolenčík
Co-producer
Roman Gensky, Viera Hlavinová 
Story
Anna Ďurišíková
Screenplay
Anna Ďurišíková, Andrej Kolenčík
DoP
Matej Jánošík
Editor
Vladimíra Vrbiňáková
Sound
Adam Matej
Production
Admiral Films (SK)
Co-production
Slovenská televízia a rozhlas (SK)
Budget
116 100 €
Support
Audiovizuálny fond, Literárny fond, Košický samosprávny kraj
Co-production forums
Heart of Europe Poľsko 2023, Riga IFF Showcase 2023, Dox in Vitro 2024, Young Horizons Industry 2024, IDFF Jeden svet 2024, Bratislava Industry Days 2025, East Doc Market 2026 (Silver Eye Award - Special Mention)
Release
SK: 02/2027
Print version
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