Pixar's Shrek franchise inspired a University to offer a new class on donkeys. Yes, you heard that right. The elective course 'Scrublands, Sanctuary, Screens' at the University of Exeter focuses on how filmmakers portray donkeys throughout cinema.
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In collaboration with The Donkey's Sanctuary, film students get to analyze films like Shrek and even observe real donkeys. They'll be able to visit the sanctuary's site in Sidmouth, Devon in the UK to research the animals themselves.
Students Study 'Shrek' In University Class On Donkeys
Other movies that they'll study are Jesus of Nazareth, EO, and The Banshees of Inisherin, all of which contain donkeys. This includes other media that feature this animal like fairy tales, documentaries, and even religious works.
According to the New York Post, pupils will gain a better understanding of how films have historically portrayed donkeys. Typically, this historical portrayal has seen donkeys humanized in comedic ways.
The co-lead for this module, Dr. Fiona Handyside, spoke to the outlet about why they created this course. "When the actor Colin Farrell and the director Martin McDonagh both acknowledged Jenny the Donkey in their acceptance speeches for Banshees at The Golden Globes, it raised fascinating questions for how we think about interpreting animal performance," she said.
"And that has led to this first-of-its-kind module, where we bring together the Film department's insight of representation and performance, with The Sanctuary's expertise and knowledge in providing holistic care to donkeys and thinking about their contribution to society."
This is the first term that they have launched this course, so we're unsure yet how well it will go over with students. It certainly seems like a fun and interesting elective that any film student would want to take.
The History And Importance Of The Donkey Sanctuary
Students get to visit the sanctuary and must create video diaries to present to them and its Education Center. Just a week ago, they were able to spend a day with the sanctuary's staff to learn about the donkeys.
This isn't just any old donkey farm. They founded the sanctuary in 1969 and it has become a well-known organization that operates across the world. Dr. Faith Burden, Deputy CEO of The Donkey Sanctuary, is also a co-author of over 100 peer-reviewed articles.
This expert on donkey and mule welfare spoke highly of this new university module. "It's fantastic to know that a new generation of filmmakers will have a critical understanding of the link between the way animals are portrayed on-screen and the values we accord them in real life and the implications this has for their welfare," she said.
Dr. Burden said that people have "misrepresented" donkeys for far too long in popular culture, a great disservice to the creatures. She hopes that spending time with the donkeys will provide students with a "lifelong appreciation" of these "sensitive and intelligent animals."
