About a Donkey

The screenplay for About a Donkey was originally written after a visit with screenwriter Kelsey Rauber’s dad resulted in him casually mentioning that he would like to own a donkey.
That passing comment sparked the quirky and heartfelt idea that led to the film. The screenplay won the Grand Prize in the Comedy Division of the 2012 New York Screenplay Contest and was a Semi-Finalist of the 2013 LA Comedy Shorts Film Festival. The 2016 Blue Cat Screenplay Contest shared these comments about the final draft, "The themes of growing older, mid-life depression, and generally figuring out one's adult life were poignant and relatable. The idea of using a donkey bought on a whim is a novel, whimsical and interesting one, and adds to the dark comedic tone of the piece. The concept is unique and speaks to the various struggles of finding one's identity and purpose." I was attracted to the screenplay due to how it effortlessly tackled weighty issues through a comedic lens filled with characters that feel real and show growth as the story progresses. As I got in involved, I became excited by the prospect of getting to enhance more of the dramatic subtext under the story and establish an inclusive world that surrounds this family.

About a Donkey at its core is about compassion and growing towards acceptance. I hope this ensemble piece will bring audiences in and cause them to identify with characters who they may not otherwise. The film was largely shot with a look that balances reality and an inviting-warmth. Our mission is to show that love is love, people's lives and desires are relevant no matter their age, and struggling with depression is acceptable and normal. And sometimes just taking an action, even one as random as buying a donkey, is exactly what's needed to get your life going again.

We did not have any industry-known actors attached to our film, but did feature a cast of diverse and talented up-and-comers who are actively working in the independent film scene. Over half of our crew and two-thirds of our cast is made up of women. Over one-third of our cast & crew includes people of color; notably I, the director, am an ethnic minority. And one-third of our cast & crew includes LGBTQ identifying individuals; notably our writer is a lesbian. It’s important to us that people who truly reflect the diversity of this country be represented onscreen, and that those who identify in real life as that representation have a voice and agency in their portrayal. Through our storytelling and filmmaking, we aim to contribute to a more equitable, varied and nuanced portrayal of those often excluded or erased.