On Wednesday, January 17, the Phillip Island Movie Club presents EO, at Berninneit, at 7pm.

A Polish film directed by Jertzy Skolimowski and written by his wife Ewa Piaskowska, the film is about a donkey taken away forcibly from his owner.

EO, a bereaved donkey, treads a rough path attempting to survive in a world beyond his knowledge.  Life is cruel at times, and astonishingly beautiful at others. No animals were harmed in the making of the film but there are depictions of animal cruelty.

In an interview Skolimowski talked about his motivation for the film.

His first and foremost vision was to make a film outside the traditional narrative style without all the formular writing rules.

His second was to produce a film of truth, that people could see EO was a believable character.

This came from him watching Robert Bresson's "Au Hasard Balthazarin" in 1966, a film that follows a donkey as he is given to various owners, most of whom treat him callously.

Skolimowski was convinced a donkey as the main protagonist was right; because of the role of the donkey from the time of Jesus through to its use in the wars, it already had an invested emotional quality.

"A remarkable film, to see it will move you deeply but just be aware of the MA warning and how that relates to your sensitivities," a movie club spokesperson said.

Members need to prebook on Trybooking or at the Berninneit desk before the film, to ensure a seat.

The film starts at 7pm and runs for 1 hour, 28 minutes.

A warning that the film is rated MA because of a very strong scene of violence.

Last month's Movie Club film "Past Lives" was given a vote of 4.3 by those who voted.

There are still membership tickets to be collected and will be available from 6.30pm on the 17th, at Berninneit.