Animals of the East
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.
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.