OAKLAND, CA - The award-winning film Lion Ark – the story of the dramatic rescue of 25 lions from circuses in Bolivia – comes to California on Sunday November 20th at Oakland Zoo ahead of its release on DVD later in November. View trailer at www.lionarkthemovie.com

Moviegoers can enjoy Lion Ark for one night only for $7, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers and rescue team, and exclusive footage from a recent, even bigger, rescue in Peru.

WHEN: Sunday November 20th, 1:00pm

WHERE: Oakland Zoo-Marian Zimmer Auditorium (Lower Entrance) 9777 Golf Links Road Oakland, CA 94605

TICKETS (must be booked in advance): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lion-ark-screening-tickets-28242588342

The critically acclaimed movie took film festivals by storm with sell out shows at many, 11 awards and an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding International Motion Picture – the first time for an animal protection film in the prestigious civil rights awards.



Reel Talk called Lion Ark “the feel-good movie of the year!;” The Ecologist

“A consciousness-raising milestone;” The New York Times “Refreshing”; The Hollywood Reporter “Compelling cinema verité”; whilst Britflicks described Lion Ark as “unmissable….Born Free with balls on.”

Lion Ark tells the story of the daring rescue by Animal Defenders International (ADI) to enforce a ban on the use of animals in circuses in Bolivia. More action adventure than traditional documentary, Lion Ark is up close and personal, in the thick of the action. Circuses defy the law but are tracked down, animals saved and a joyous finale sees 25 lions airlifted to freedom. A story of bravery, compassion, a country that said 'no' to cruelty and how attitudes towards animals changed across a continent.

Lion Ark will be screened at Oakland Zoo, who have long campaigned against wild animals in circuses, and made a very generous donation towards Animal Defenders International’s recent ‘Operation Spirit of Freedom’ campaign, which saw over 30 lions flown from a life of suffering and abuse in circuses in Peru and Colombia, home to a lion sanctuary in South Africa. All attendees will get a free ticket to the Zoo (a $17.50 value) that can be used that day or another day!







Director Tim Phillips notes that although eye-opening the film is fun and uplifting: “We wanted people to experience a frontline animal rescue, both the challenges and the joy. The film tackles a serious issue, but is exciting and leaves people with a smile on their face, knowing they can make a difference as they see the lives of these animals transform.”

Colleen Kinzley, Director of Animal Care, Conservation and Research, Oakland Zoo said “Lion Ark is absolutely one of the most amazing and best films I have ever seen. It is inspiring, exciting, and very emotional - most of all, it has a happy ending. This documentary tells just one story of all the truly incredible work done by Animal Defenders International all over the world. Oakland Zoo is thrilled to be able to show this film - don’t miss it and your chance to meet two of its real-life heroes!"

During the Q&A, the filmmakers will also talk about the latest rescue –Operation Spirit of Freedom - where over 100 wild animals were recently saved from circuses and the illegal wildlife trade in Peru and Colombia. This culminated in a massive airlift of more than 30 lions, from South American circuses, home to Africa. Money raised will go towards ADI’s huge $250,000 habitat construction program for the lions’ forever homes.



The independent movie was made by ADI Films, part crowd-funded and also supported by Associate Producers Seafox Productions (the production company of CSI actress Jorja Fox) and Vivian Bosch. The film was signed into worldwide distribution with ITV Global and has been broadcast in over 20 countries. This is the first time Lion Ark has been available on DVD and comes with bonus features including never before seen rescue footage.

Lion Ark is available for sale $12.50

http://www.lionarkthemovie.com/news/lion-ark-the-movie-on-dvd/



Find out more about Lion Ark at www.lionarkthemovie.com



LION ARK AWARDS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Best Documentary Omaha International Film Festival

People’s Choice Award, Boulder International Film Festival

Best Documentary Alhambra Theatre Film Festival

Audience Award Buffalo Niagara International Film Festival

Audience Choice Best Documentary, San Diego Film Festival

Audience Choice Environmental Film Sedona International Film Festival

Audience Favorite Documentary Palm Beach International Film Festival

Best Documentary Sun & Sand: The Mississippi Film & Music Festival

Audience Award YES Film Festival

The Animal Award, Cinema Verde Environmental Film & Arts Festival

Audience Choice Best Documentary Anchorage International Film Festival

Nominated: Outstanding International Motion Picture, 45th NAACP Image Awards

Official Selections: Raindance Film Festival; Mill Valley Film Festival; Hawaii International Film Festival; Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival; Virginia Film Festival; Starz Denver Film Festival; Beloit International Film Festival; Irvine International Film Festival; Crossroads Festival for Documentary Film & Discourse

Critical acclaim

http://www.lionarkthemovie.com/news/lion-ark-reviews/