Stefan Enslin on ‘Pigcasso: Million Dollar Pig’

Renowned South African director, writer and producer Stefan Enslin (War Dogs and I, Against All Odds) recently premiered his latest documentary, Pigcasso: Million Dollar Pig at the Durban International Film Festival. This captivating film tells the extraordinary true story of Pigcasso, a pig rescued from a slaughterhouse who defied expectations to become the world’s first painting pig, with artworks selling for thousands.

Enslin delves into the fascinating relationship between Pigcasso and her rescuer, Joanne Lefson, exploring themes of animal intelligence, artistic expression and compassion. Spling have the privilege of discussing the making of the film with Enslin, who offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of bringing Pigcasso’s inspiring journey to life.

How did you become attached to this larger-than-life story and what impressed you most about it?

I visited Farm Sanctuary SA with friends a few years ago when I discovered a pig that paints. I’d never seen or even heard of something like that before, and it immediately caught my attention. The next day I reached out to Joanne to discuss the idea of making a documentary.

She told me several producers had approached her before, but none followed through, so she was understandably cautious. After one meeting I made it clear that I was serious and committed to making it happen. From that moment on, everything started falling into place.

Beyond the novelty of a painting pig, what was the core human story or message you aimed to convey through Pigcasso’s journey in the documentary?

At first, I thought the story would mainly be about Joanne and how Pigcasso started painting. I was hoping the human story would emerge from there. What I did not expect was how powerful Pigcasso’s own journey would turn out to be. Her life became a mirror for so many people who feel trapped by their circumstances and believe they will never have the chance to reach their full potential. Pigcasso’s story shows that with the right opportunity, the extraordinary can happen.

What were some of the challenges of documenting an animal with such unique talents?

Animals have their own rhythm, and they do not perform on cue. Some days we captured incredible moments as if Pigcasso knew where every camera was. On other days she just wanted to sleep and would not move at all. We often spent entire days at the sanctuary hoping she would eventually get up, only to go home with little or no usable footage. It taught me to be patient and to stay open to the unexpected.

Pigcasso’s art has garnered significant attention and sales. How did you balance the commercial aspects of her work as opposed to the themes of animal welfare and artistic expression?

Most animal documentaries focus on welfare issues, which is important. But Pigcasso was not just an animal with a message, she was an artist. I used the sanctuary as a backdrop to weave in themes of animal welfare, but the heart of the film focused on her creativity. The art itself became a way of showing her inner world, while the sanctuary reminded us of where she found peace.

What did you learn through Pigcasso and Joanne Lefson’s uncommon bond and communication?

That animals are far more intelligent and emotionally aware than we often realize. When treated with kindness and respect, they respond with trust and affection. The bond between Joanne and Pigcasso was profound and deeply moving. It showed that meaningful relationships between humans and animals are not only possible but incredibly rewarding.

Joanne has led an extraordinary life in her own right… was it easy to keep Pigcasso front and centre or was there more overlap than you’d expected?

When your subject is a pig that paints, it is surprisingly easy to keep her in the spotlight. But as Pigcasso’s health began to decline, the focus naturally shifted. Joanne’s role became more prominent, not by design but because she had become such an integral part of Pigcasso’s story and legacy.

How did your initial vision for the story evolve over the filmmaking process?

I began with the idea of creating a lighthearted documentary about a unique animal with a quirky talent. But when Pigcasso’s health began to fail, everything changed. The story became more reflective and heartfelt. It evolved into something much deeper; an emotional tribute to a life that touched so many in ways I never expected.

Can you tell us about your choices in terms of the visual style and pacing for the documentary?

I wanted the visual style to reflect the spirit of an artist. That meant blending raw cellphone footage Joanne had collected over the years with professional cinematography. The contrast created a textured visual language that felt honest and expressive. Since Pigcasso moved slowly and deliberately, I allowed the pacing to follow that natural rhythm. It gave the film a contemplative tone that felt true to her personality.

The story of Pigcasso touches on animal rights and our perception of farm animals. How did you address these broader issues within the film?

Rather than focus on animal rights in a traditional way, I let Pigcasso’s life speak for itself. She had been rescued from a place where her future was very limited, and she went on to live a life that no one could have imagined. That contrast says more than any statistics or arguments ever could. It shows what is possible when we choose compassion over convenience.

Which part of the documentary are you most proud of?

The entire film. Every frame tells part of a story that means a great deal to me. I feel grateful that I was able to help tell it, and I can watch it again and again with pride. There is something timeless in Pigcasso’s journey that continues to inspire me.

What kind of impact do you hope this documentary will have on our understanding of animal
intelligence, creativity and the value of non-human lives?

I hope it changes the way people see animals. That they are not just passive creatures, but individuals with personality, intelligence, and emotional depth. Watching how Pigcasso interacted with other animals and with humans at the sanctuary opened my eyes to how rich their inner lives truly are. I hope viewers walk away with a new sense of respect for all living beings.

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

I would have spent more time filming Pigcasso’s eyes. Looking back, I realise they held so much emotion, so much awareness. There was a human quality to them that I only truly noticed in the editing room. I wish I had captured more of that.

What do you hope audiences take away from your documentary?

That animals deserve more than our sympathy. They deserve our respect and companionship. I want people to walk away not only feeling inspired by Pigcasso but also reflecting on how we relate to animals in general. When we meet them on equal footing, the bonds we form can be life changing.