Feb. 2, 2015 - Feb 3, 2015, GAINSVILLE, FL – LION ARK, the dramatic documentary that tells the story of 25 lions rescued from cruel Bolivian circuses and their 5,000 mile journey to safety in the United States is set to melt hearts on Valentine’s Day at the sixth Cinema Verde Environmental Film and Arts Festival. The award winning movie will screen on Saturday 14 February at the Paramount Plaza Hotel and Conference Center.

Critically acclaimed LION ARK charts the story of one of the world’s most ambitious animal rescue operations, as a team from Animal Defenders International (ADI) secure a ban on animal circuses and set about rescuing every animal as circuses defy the law. The film’s joyous finale sees 25 lions airlifted to a new life in the US.

More action adventure than traditional documentary, LION ARK follows the entire rescue operation through live action interviews as events unfold. Viewers are there with the animals and rescuers in the thick of the action, feeling the fear and joy of the rescuers as they journey through the incredible mission.

Bursting onto the scene at Raindance in London, LION ARK has won multiple awards on the international film festival circuit and enjoyed sell-out screenings, standing ovations, and praise for its high production values and cinematic beauty. The film has collected six awards and a nomination for a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding International Motion Picture.

WHAT: LION ARK at Cinema Verde Film Festival

WHEN: Saturday, February 14 at 1:00pm

WHERE: Paramount Plaza Hotel & Conference Center, 2900 Southwest 13th Street, Gainesville, FL 32608

TICKETS: http://www.cinemaverde.org/tickets

Tim Phillips, Director of Lion Ark says: “Lion Ark provides a unique opportunity for people to really engage with the animals and see how their lives are transformed during the course of the movie. Despite the serious subject everyone coming along to our Valentine’s screening will leave with a smile on their face. This is a movie about hope and bringing about change.”

The LION ARK rescue was funded entirely by donations, including a significant gift from legendary US TV ‘Price is Right’ game show host Bob Barker. A similar operation – Spirit of Freedom – is now underway in Peru, where ADI is once again assisting the authorities to enforce its animal circus ban, having successfully secured the legislation. ADI currently has 30 lions, 12 primates and many other animals in its care.

Visit http://www.ad-international.org/animal_rescues/go.php?id=… to find out how you can help ADI with its Spirit of Freedom rescue mission. ADI’s Christina Scaringe will be available to talk about the operation and Lion Ark at the Valentine’s Day screening.

For more information and to watch the trailer, visit www.LionArkthemovie.com.