Lion Ark

The award-winning film Lion Ark – the story of the dramatic rescue of 25 lions from circuses in Bolivia – makes its triumphant return to Johannesburg on Saturday 3rd December at vegetarian restaurant Conscious 108. The screening, hosted by Ban Animal Trading, is timed for Lion Ark’s recent release on DVD.

Watch the trailer now »

Moviegoers can enjoy Lion Ark for one night only for R50, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers and rescue team, and exclusive footage from this year’s rescue in Peru, when over 30 lions came home to Africa.
The event is raising money for the R3,537,742 ($250,000) habitat construction for the lions’ forever homes.

WHEN: Saturday 3rd December, 7:00pm
WHERE: Conscious 108, 108 Greenway, Greenside Johannesburg
TICKETS: E-mail booking to info@bananimaltrading.org

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” and “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.

Director Tim Phillips said: “We wanted people to experience a frontline animal rescue, both the challenges and the joy. The film tackles a serious issue, while exciting and leaves people with a smile on their face – everybody can make a difference.”

Kathy Watson, Ban Animal Trading said: “As Ban Animal Trading, actively campaigning to end animal circuses in South Africa, we are absolutely thrilled to be hosting a special screening of Lion Ark and affording our valuable campaign supporters the opportunity to meet the hugely inspirational ADI team. This incredibly moving and inspirational documentary, together with the wonderful work done by ADI worldwide, give us hope for a better future for all animals!”

Lion Ark is available to buy on DVD »

LION ARK screens on Saturday 20 February at 22.20 as part of Animal Planet Brasil’s “RELEASE YOUR BEASTS” season featuring critically acclaimed documentaries including Blood Lions, Wandering Lions and LION ARK.

Critically acclaimed LION ARK charts Animal Defenders International’s daring rescue to empty Bolivia of its circus animals. More action adventure than traditional documentary. Following a shocking exposé Bolivia bans animal circuses. Circuses defy the law but are tracked down, animals saved and a joyous finale sees 25 lions airflifted to freedom. A story of bravery, compassion, a country that said ‘no’ to cruelty and how attitudes to animals changed across a continent.

Engaging audiences with its fresh, action-adventure style, LION ARK tells its story through live action interviews as events unfold. Viewers join the animals 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 was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding International Motion Picture award.

LION ARK Director Tim Phillips said: “We wanted to make a film about a serious issue that people would enjoy and would make them feel inspired, optimistic and even at times laugh out loud. Lion Ark is up close and personal, in the heart of the action; we wanted people to enjoy the story while it delivers an important message, so it is very rewarding that of the eleven awards the film has won at festivals, seven have been audience votes.”

LION ARK captures a key moment in animal protection history, as Bolivia led the way with historic legislation banning animals in circuses and then enforcement that would be followed in four other countries on the continent and is under consideration in Brazil. Right now the story continues with Animal Defenders International, the key protagonists in LION ARK, gearing up to an even bigger airlift of lions from Peru and Colombia. Within weeks, 33 lions rescued from Peruvian and Colombian circuses will be flown to a new life in South Africa.

LION ARK is being screened during Animal Planet’s ‘RELEASE YOUR BEASTS’ series in Brazil, which reflects on the relationship between humans and lions and the struggle for life this majestic species faces around the world. During the special series, LIONS AFRICAN: NA MIRA HUNTERS (Blood Lions Bred for the Bullet) and THE LAST LIONS OF ASIA (Wandering Lions) are also being shown.