Animal

Sofia Exarchou

SCREENER

2023

116min

Greece, Austria, Romania, Cyprus, Bulgaria

with

Dimitra Vlagopoulou

Under the hot Greek sun, the animateurs at an all-inclusive island resort prepare for the busy touristic season. Kalia is the leader of the pack. Paper decors, glossy costumes and dance shows fill the stage. As summer intensifies and the work pressure builds up, their nights become violent and Kalia’s struggle is revealed in the darkness. But when the spotlights turn on again, the show must go on.

Produced by Homemade Films, in co-production with Nabis Filmgroup, Digital Cube, Felony, Ars Digital and Sofia Exarchou.

A darkly intriguing look at holiday resorts reminiscing of Verhoeven’s Showgirls

The Hollywood Reporter

A sharply observed portrait of the [all-inclusive resort animateurs] milieu

Screen Daily

A poignant portrait, a film about brittle endings, and the way even those who can boogie-woogie all night long, always have to face the dawn

Variety

The wonderful Dimitra Vlagopoulou […] is incredibly vibrant

The Film Verdict

Teaser Press kit Stills Poster

Locarno Film Festival - Best Actress
Thessaloniki Film Festival - Golden Alexander for Best Film / Best actress
Sarajevo Film Festival - International Competition
Haifa Film Festival - Competition for Debuts
Nouveau Cinéma Montreal - Panorama International
Vancouver International Film Festival - Vanguard Award
SEMINCI Valladolid - Special Mention Meeting Point