Sidmouth: Donkey Sanctuary praises Bafta-winning Banshees of Inisherin for highlighting donkeys’ qualities

The Banshees of Inisherin, a film about friendship which features a donkey as one of its central characters, won four BAFTAs this week, including Outstanding British Film. 

The film has been tipped for Oscar success. 

Donkeys are having something of a moment in film. Banshees also had success at the Golden Globes and EO, a film showing the world from the donkey's perspective, won the Jury Prize at Cannes.

EO has also been nominated for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards.

A spokesperson for the Donkey Sanctuary said: ""At its heart, Banshees is a film about companionship. 

"The bond between Padraic and Jenny symbolises true friendship. Unlike Colm, Jenny the donkey is characteristically patient, loyal and reliable - the human friend we'd all love to have."

"Donkeys have been loyal and trusted companions to humans for millennia. We are delighted by the success of these films and the fact donkeys are finally getting their moment in the spotlight. 

"We will certainly be keeping our fingers (and hooves!) crossed that EO, Jerzy Skolimowski's sensitive and insightful portrayal of a donkey, takes home the Oscar for Best International Feature Film."