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The Texas State Premiere of the award-winning wildlife rescue documentary Lion Ark - about the rescue of 25 lions - will be given extra bite as the event is to raise funds to send the team back to South America to save dozens of animals suffering in illegal circuses.
Lion Ark charts the story of one of the world's most ambitious animal rescue operations, as a team from Animal Defenders International (ADI) swooped on eight illegal circuses spread across Bolivia to rescue every animal. The film culminates with the airlift of 25 lions to safety in the USA.
This Ark doesn't come with a Hollywood spin, it's the real thing, with the rescuers battling pouring rain, floods and all manner of obstacles before their Ark packed with lions flew over 3,000 miles to safety!
More action adventure than traditional documentary, the Lion Ark story is told through live action interviews and conversations as events unfolded and has been winning critical acclaim, film festival awards and sell out screenings, and an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding International Motion Picture. The Hollywood Reporter described the film as "Compelling cinema verité," and Reel Talk described it as "The feel-good movie of the year."
The eagerly anticipated Texas State Premiere on May 25th at the Stateside at the Paramount is set to be a glittering, star-studded occasion and has the backing of Austin's Different Rhythm Foundation and The Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary.
All money raised will go towards the ADI operation in Peru to enforce a prohibition on wild animals in traveling circuses, which was passed in 2011. The ADI team has already identified lions being illegally kept in small, rusting cages, and monkeys kept chained by their necks. The target for the night is to raise $100,000 towards the operation.Tim Phillips, Director of Lion Ark, says: "Lion Ark is that rare thing, a film about a serious animal protection issue that has a happy ending and will leave you smiling. This is an uplifting film that shows what people can do when they pull together and take action. It is a film about cooperation and working for a better world."
Jan Creamer, President of Animal Defenders International: "This wonderful evening is a chance to enjoy an exciting, uplifting film at a fabulous gala event, and help us to save more animals at the same time - we emptied Bolivia of suffering circus animals, now it is time to do the same in Peru."
Rosie Plaia, Founder, Different Rhythm Foundation: "Lion Ark The Movie roars with the release of constraints and shackles. Man and beast feel the freedom of today and the peace of tomorrow. An informative and educational journey by a group of brave individuals that overcome the obstacles of saving what human greed has created, with uncompromising beliefs, boldness, and passion. Lion Ark The Movie is about saying; no more to abuse and yes to forever freedom for our World's wildlife - for generations to come. A film filled with spirit. Showing that man and beast belong together without barriers. Native Americans believe we are all a piece of the web of life. The abused animals are released, manes flowing in the wind for the first time and the grass that will secure their footing forever...leaving you speechless and heart-warmed!"
Patti Clark, Director, Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary: "This documentary is absolutely stunning and a hugely important film about the importance of animal rescue efforts around the world. It exposes a problem that is very real and oftentimes ignored, but also showcases what is possible to help these beautiful animals live the life they deserve."
