"I have my mother's mouth and my father's eyes. On my face they are still together."
– Warsan Shire
The Donkey with the Baby on her Back is a Bournemouth Film School Production. It is a fiction short-film written and directed by Isabella Chaves Gutierrez. We are currently in pre-production, expected to premiere in 2024! AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!
What’s our film about? We’re so glad you asked! Down below is an extended synopsis! but keep scrolling the page to find out more about our production process, the director’s vision, and who’s all working on making this AMAZING script come to life!
Dani, a twenty-five year old child of divorce, returns home to help her father move out of what used to be their family house. As she packs up her childhood bedroom, reminiscing on saddling herself with packed bags and moving her life week by week, she thinks about a time when her parents must have been more in love than ever— their wedding day. Taken back into the 90’s, Dani experiences her parent’s special day through the eyes of the donkey that carried her mother to the altar. As Dani sees her mother and father through a new perspective, she has a newfound understanding of their individuality and an appreciation for the vast love that originally created her, however broken it may be back in present day.
The Donkey with the Baby on her Back will explore themes of divorce, nostalgia, love, and connection—merging drama and fantasy.
The film will be half shot on digital and half on 16mm film format, aiding the essence of past and present, and the fragility of memory. The glow of the past will be represented visually, and contrast with the hard reality of the present. Interlinking the past and present scenes will create a fleeting quality to the lives we’ll explore.
Aesthetically, we will utilise a unique visual style and immersive characteristics in the donkey POV, such as mild vignettes, filters and camera movement. Focusing on body features that signify genetics- hands, eyes, ears- we will create an echo of the central sentiment of the film throughout.
This is a poetic film, so it’s no wonder that it has been heavily inspired by the poetry of incredible women, about similar mother- daughter and familial relationships. Genetics by Sinead Morrissey, Speak to me of my mother, who was she by Jasmine Mans, and the works of Warsan Shire were key in shaping the tone and feel of our film. Alongside this, some films that have influenced the themes and style include Ladybird, Aftersun, The Before Trilogy, EO, Marriage Story, The Lost Daughter, and The Squid and the Whale.
Keep scrolling to hear from our director, cinematographer, and production designer!
A STATEMENT FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY!
"The cinematography of ‘A Donkey with A Baby on her back’ will be used as a tool to take the audience through a journey of time and space. In terms of camera, we will be working with 16mm film to create the wedding sequences, giving our film a distinct nostalgic feel, analogue effects created using filters and lenses will also help to position the audience inside the POV of our Donkey, as we piece together fragmented memories of our parents’ wedding. Framing will be used to connect the past and present, as we see Dani’s family dynamic shifting, both physically and metaphorically. A subtle but complimentary palette of pinks and greens will remain consistent throughout different visual aspects of the films including lighting, which will be warm and soft, as to inspire feelings of familiarity and nostalgia within the audience as we explore themes of family history and connection to oneself."
A STATEMENT FROM OUR PRODUCTION DESIGNER!
"I was drawn to this film because of its focus on childhood and nostalgia, and the opportunity it provided to work between two different time settings. It was also incredibly exciting to think about designing a wedding! The most important part of this project for me will be doing justice to such a personal story, as I can really feel how much this film means to Izzy and all of us involved. It is such a delicate tale about growing up, familial connection, love, and loss. Drawing from the writer/director’s real life experiences - as well as my own - I aim to create a visual world that can not only support the story, but immerse the audience into our main character’s life and emotions throughout. Also, who doesn’t love donkeys?"
A STATEMENT FROM OUR WRITER/DIRECTOR!
"This story is both incredibly specific to me, and relatable to many. I hope especially women, both mothers and daughters, will feel seen through the central relationship in the film: Their dynamics, their similarities and differences, and the responsibilities they do and don't have to each other. Having a female-led crew is something we are very proud of and that will benefit in setting this tone through every stage of production.
For people who have experienced divorce in some capacity, and for those who have not, there seems to be an exclusively negative representation of the experience. While this is often a reality that cannot be ignored, we also want to present an exploration of divorce through an innocent and forgiving lens (in comes the donkey). One that highlights the natural change in people, and the beauty of being a living bond between two people. Myself being an only child of divorce, I feel both the weight of their marriage and the importance of being the only thing left of their togetherness.
Nostalgia and the wish to experience a moment of the love that created me is a key element of the story. This film not only expresses a longing for a time, but also a place. Set partially in Colombia, and with the characters often speaking in Spanglish, this side of genetics is not ignored. As a Colombian born woman living in the UK, I feel it's essential to represent this experience in a context where it is relevant although maybe not central to the story. Showing the lives of people that are not often shown to us on screen is something I feel is still lacking in the film industry, so why not start here?
Making a film so personal to me will hopefully bring such strength and authenticity to the screen, and naturally showcase the vastness of emotions that come with love, family and a certain kind of loss. Any support you can give is so appreciated and so important in telling this heartfelt story in a way that can do it justice. Thank you!"
If you are able to donate to our film we are incredibly, incredibly grateful! Every donation makes such a difference! You will help make our film bigger, better, and stronger! And will help us each step of the way as we achieve our director’s vision and bring this beautiful script to life! No matter how big or small your contribution YOU are helping us VASTLY to create this wonderful, deserving film!
And if you’re not able to donate, don’t worry! There are so many other ways to help! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok and give us a follow! You can find us at @DonkeyBabyBFS on EVERYTHING! You can share our profiles with friends, family members, and peers to get us out there! You can like and comment on our posts and help us get engaged with our audience! We even have a playlist on Spotify & Apple Music! Search us The Donkey with the Baby on her Back for a fun selection of songs our crew curated just for you! Check it out!
Again, we are so so grateful for whatever help you contribute!
Wondering HOW your money would help? Great question! Here below is a chart on how and where your funds will be used! Not many people know how much hard work and funding goes into each stage of production, (even for short films!) so take a look!
Let’s meet our amazingly beautiful, incredibly talented crew! Through their interviews and thoughts on the film we hope you can get to know the people that are dedicated to bringing this film to life, a little bit better.
WRITER & DIRECTOR: Isabella Chaves Gutierrez
Hi! I’m Izzy and I specialise in cinematography, screenwriting and directing.
If this film had a yearbook, what would your yearbook quote be?
"Can we come back to this one?"
What’s one song you would add to our DonkeyBabyBFS themed playlist?
"It's already on there, but A Little Bit of Rain by Karen Dalton!"
What is your go-to drink at the pub!?
"A Thatcher's Haze"
AAAAND WHAT is your favorite farm animal of ALL TIME!?
"Other than donkey… Maybe a chick? I had a chick when I was little."
FINAL QUESTION! WHY did you want to make this film?
"I guess like seeing the pictures of my parents wedding and wishing I could be there. I feel like a lot of kids see photos of their parents when they were younger and finally realise they’re a whole person. And as you get older you start to understand them a whole lot more. I watched ladybird when it came out and I used to think the mom was awful I hated her, and then I watched it yesterday and I really understood the mom’s perspective and I felt for her. And then that’s gonna be like us, like when we’re older and have kids, well, maybe not for everyone, but we’re gonna be both those people— the mother and the daughter."
CO-PRODUCER: Keeley Jones
Hello! I’m Keeley and I specialise in producing!
If this film had a yearbook, what would your yearbook quote be?
'Eyore! Donkey noises!'
What’s one song you would add to our DonkeyBabyBFS themed playlist?
'Graceland Too by Phoebe Bridgers, I feel like Dani would listen to that song while packing up her room and really resonate with it.'
What is your go-to drink at the pub!?
'If it's payday then a cocktail, if not then a probably a cider.'
AAAAND WHAT is your favorite farm animal of ALL TIME!?
Sheep, they're pretty cute.
FINAL QUESTION! WHY do you want to work on THIS film?
"I really wanted to work on something a bit different and Izzy's pitch felt a bit surreal, and I wanted to work on something that's more of a challenge and maybe working with animals would be a big challenge!"
CO-PRODUCER: Mabel Bailey
Hey! I’m Mabel and I specialise in producing!
If this film had a yearbook, what would your yearbook quote be?
“If one person tells you you have ears like a donkey, fine, if two people tell you that…get a saddle.”
What’s one song you would add to our DonkeyBabyBFS themed playlist?
'My song is For Lovers by Lamp. It's very cute and wedding vibes!'
What is your go-to drink at the pub!?
'A desparado with a lime in.'
AAAAND WHAT is your favorite farm animal of ALL TIME!?
'I'm going with sheepdog, I know it's not really a farm animal, but it counts!'
FINAL QUESTION! WHY do you want to work on THIS film?
'I want to work on this film because it's just the sweetest vibe and great group of people, we're all so passionate and love what we're doing and we know the outcome is going to be amazing and it's just gonna be so sweet and enjoyable and the general public will LOVE!.'
1ST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Ted Dracott
Hi I’m Ted and I specialise in producing!
If this film had a yearbook, what would your yearbook quote be?
“I’ll be honest, I tend to skip these questions. I’ll let the film do the talking!“
What’s one song you would add to our DonkeyBabyBFS themed playlist?
“This is the Sea by The Waterboys. Like this film, it’s all about the acceptance of change and the realisation that life is not in the past or in your memories; it’s here today and it’s yours if you take it.”
What is your go-to drink at the pub!?
“Water. The liquid of life. Im afraid that’s all I drink!”
AAAAND WHAT is your favourite farm animal of ALL TIME!?
“Chickens are really cool, I wish I could be as cool as a chicken. They just have so much confidence!”
FINAL QUESTION! WHY did you want to make this film?
“The script is really inventive and I recognised that this story was really important to Izzy. People clearly connected with it so I knew that if I had the chance to be a part of making sure the film got made, then I had to help out!“
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Pearl Thomas
Hi! I’m Pearl and I specialise in cinematography!
If this film had a yearbook, what would your yearbook quote be?
‘What does a donkey do after a funny joke? HEE-HAH!’
What’s one song you would add to our DonkeyBabyBFS themed playlist?
‘I Wish you Were Here’ Al Green
What is your go-to drink at the pub!?
'Beer— Estrella, always.'
AAAAND WHAT is your favorite farm animal of ALL TIME!?
'Baby goat.'
FINAL QUESTION! WHY do you want to work on THIS film?
‘I think that donkey media is unrepresented, and it’s important to hear their stories too, through their eyes, really, which is what I’m hoping to capture. Also a lovely script, great script, and I am massively excited to work with this crew, I think that they’re lovely and we're gonna have a good time and we need money to have a better time, to make a better film, please.’
CAMERA OPERATOR: Esme Wilks Marsh
Hey! I'm Esme and I study cinematography!
If this film had a yearbook, what would your yearbook quote be?
“They call me donkey because I have a huge ar-“
What’s one song you would add to our DonkeyBabyBFS themed playlist?
“Probably It's All Over Now, Baby Blue by Bob Dylan“
What is your go-to drink at the pub!?
“Probably a beer or tequila if I’m feeling fancy!”
AAAAND WHAT is your favourite farm animal of ALL TIME!?
“Llamas!”
FINAL QUESTION! WHY did you want to make this film?
“I love donkeys… and babies as well… and backs… and my parents are divorced. I love the script! The script is great, it made me cry the first time I read it. Everybody cries, you’ll cry!
1ST ASSISTANT CAMERA: Mia Patterson
Hi! I'm Mia and I study cinematography!
If this film had a yearbook, what would your yearbook quote be?
“I got nothing… sorry “
What’s one song you would add to our DonkeyBabyBFS themed playlist?
“I saw a bit of Billy Joel and I was thinking of scenes in an Italian restaurant so I think that would work pretty well”
What is your go-to drink at the pub!?
“Just a beer, usually a cheap one!”
AAAAND WHAT is your favourite farm animal of ALL TIME!?
“I like guinea pigs and I feel like you could class them as farm animals.”
FINAL QUESTION! WHY did you want to make this film?
“It was definitely a combination of the script and Izzy, I love the script and I love the ideas I have visually for it. But also when Izzy read that poem out it made me think about my Mum a lot because my mum’s parents are divorced. I sent it to her and she loved it so much that she printed it out. That just made me feel involved in the story immediately.“
GAFFER: Jack Knight
Hello! I’m Jack and I specialise in cinematography!
If this film had a yearbook, what would your yearbook quote be?
Live, laugh, love
What’s one song you would add to our DonkeyBabyBFS themed playlist?
'River by Leon Bridges'
What is your go-to drink at the pub!?
'Gonna have to go with a Guinness.'
AAAAND WHAT is your favorite farm animal of ALL TIME!?
'Chickens, definitely chickens.'
FINAL QUESTION! WHY do you want to work on THIS film?
‘I think its a really beautiful script and I think the inspiration for it is really cool, a really nice story, and the poem Izzy read out that inspired her was really great.’
EDITOR: Becca Roso
Hey! I’m Becca and I specialise in editing! (I also do the graphics & manage our social media accounts :) )
If this film had a yearbook, what would your yearbook quote be?
'I'm really only here for the donkey....'
What’s one song you would add to our DonkeyBabyBFS themed playlist?
'It's on the playlist already, but Right Back Where we Started From by Maxine Nightingale'
What is your go-to drink at the pub!?
'A rum and coke or a cider, usually!'
AAAAND WHAT is your favorite farm animal of ALL TIME!?
'Donkey, obviously, but I like pigs as well. Maybe they're tied.'
FINAL QUESTION! WHY do you want to work on THIS film?
'I was really drawn in by the script and how clearly I could see it play out in my head, the way it would look and how it would cut. It's just a beautiful script and such a testament to Izzy's talent. It really inspired me.'
PRODUCTION DESIGNER: Maddy Arthur
Hi! I’m Maddy and I specialise in production design!
If this film had a yearbook, what would your yearbook quote be?
“My two passions in life are production design and farmyard animals.”
What’s one song you would add to our DonkeyBabyBFS themed playlist?
'I was Born for Loving You by Big Thief'
What is your go-to drink at the pub!?
'A Guinness.'
AAAAND WHAT is your favorite farm animal of ALL TIME!?
'Cows! Follow me on Instagram @ilovecows888'
FINAL QUESTION! WHY do you want to work on THIS film?
'I think donkey baby is such a wonderful story and I think it’s something that can touch so many people and I love donkeys and I love weddings and I love pink wallpaper— don’t we all?’
Art Director: Anya Reynolds
Hi I’m Anya and I study production design!
If this film had a yearbook, what would your yearbook quote be?
“I honestly have no idea!!“
What’s one song you would add to our DonkeyBabyBFS themed playlist?
“I think It Had To Be You from the When Harry Met Sally soundtrack because that’s very wedding vibes and I think it fits well.”
What is your go-to drink at the pub!?
“Probably a cider”
AAAAND WHAT is your favourite farm animal of ALL TIME!?
“I think alpacas are adorable, they’re very cute. But donkeys are also cute!”
FINAL QUESTION! WHY did you want to make this film?
“I really want to work on this film because I relate to the source quite a lot. I always had to go back and forth between my mum and dads houses and so a lot of the scenes I relate to. I also look back on my mum and dads wedding, photos from the 90s a lot. I really enjoyed the script and felt like I could add my knowledge to this film!“
COSTUME DESIGNER: Ralitsa Verbanova
Hey I’m Ralitsa and I study costume design!
If this film had a yearbook, what would your yearbook quote be?
“Life is not perfect… but your outfit can be!“
What’s one song you would add to our DonkeyBabyBFS themed playlist?
“I would probably add a mix of My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Mamma Mia songs!”
What is your go-to drink at the pub!?
“Wine, by the bottle.”
AAAAND WHAT is your favourite farm animal of ALL TIME!?
“I’ve been obsessed with unicorns and pegasuses for most my life, but a horse would probably fit the farm animal description better.”
FINAL QUESTION! WHY did you want to make this film?
“I loved Izzy’s concept and how the first reading of the script made me feel. Having recently divorced parents it felt like I was given an opportunity to take my experience and turn it into something positive and beautiful. Also, who doesn’t want to get their hands on a beautiful wedding dress?!“
MAKE UP ARTIST: Megan Atkinson
Hi, I'm Megan and I study make up!
AND THAT’S NOT ALL!
We have so many people working to make this film the best it can be- including our secondary crew members:
Grace Clennell as Makeup Assistant
Hal Howe as Best Person
Charlie Harrison as 2AC
Josh Leech as Script Supervisor
Tiago Ruas Parrington as Grader
and Millie Jones & Drew Collins as Sound Mixers
WOW! You've scrolled allllllllllll the way down to the bottom! That's so great! Thanks for reading about our film! We hope we've earned your support! We're so so very excited to make this film and bring our director's vision to life! Remember to follow @DonkeyBabyBFS on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook!
Now, this was fun, but we've gotta see a man about a donkey! Hopefully we'll see you soon! Thanks again!
-The DonkeyBaby Team