Associate Producer from Naples ensures that award-winning Lion Ark can reach South American audiences
Lion Ark, the multi award-winning documentary about the rescue of 25 lions from cruel circuses in Bolivia by Animal Defenders International (ADI), is ready to hit South America thanks to the Naples, Florida resident and Associate Producer Vivian Bosch, who has funded a Spanish version of the film.
Since opening at Raindance, London and Mill Valley Film Festival, California Lion Ark, which has taken the film festival circuit by storm with sell out shows, six awards, official selections for 14 prestigious film festivals, and an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding International Motion Picture.
The independent film, which features appearances from legendary, award-winning TV host Bob Barker and CSI star Jorja Fox (also an Associate Producer of the film through her company Seafox Productions), is on the brink of signing a worldwide distribution deal, and has already signed a deal with Distrifilms SRL to distribute Arca de Leones in Bolivian movie theaters as soon as it is completed.
Arca de Leones opens on Thursday October 2nd in La Paz, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, Bolivia – with the official premiere in capital La Paz, and VIP screenings and Q&As with the filmmakers in La Paz and Santa Cruz.
See the trailer for Arca de Leones:
https://vimeo.com/106693752
Vivian Bosch, from Naples, was blown away when she saw the film at Palm Beach international Film Festival (where Lion Ark won its sixth award, being voted by audiences the “Best Documentary”) and met with Director Tim Phillips to discuss ensuring the film could reach Spanish speaking audiences, particularly in South America.
Vivian says: “I felt it was really important that Lion Ark reach the audiences we really want to influence, for people in other South American countries to see the incredible stand that Bolivia took to end the suffering of circus animals and to learn more about what these animals face and how they can be helped. Right now Animal Defenders International, whose lion rescue is featured in Lion Ark, are in Peru undertaking another huge, nationwide rescue operation to rescue circus animals, so this is truly an on-going story and one that needs to be told.”
Tim Phillips, Director of Lion Ark who is currently in Peru on the ADI rescue mission said: “We have always wanted Lion Ark to be seen by as many people as possible and especially Spanish speaking audiences. It is a very positive and uplifting film but with a serious educational message. It also charts historic events taking place in Latin America.”
“We are also delighted that the premiere of the Spanish version will be in Bolivia, where this incredible story took place. It was a really courageous step by Bolivia to pass this legislation and to enforce it so vigorously and the people of Bolivia really got behind this rescue.”
The world premiere of Arca de Leones is to take place in Bolivia on the first week of October – details to be announced soon.
The English version of Lion Ark has been submitted to the Naples International Film Festival which takes place in November.
Tim Phillips: “We would love to sign off what has been a great festival run in the home town of one of our Associate Producers. We refined the edit of the film, ready for theatrical and TV distribution, so this would in fact be the US premiere if we are screened in Naples.”
http://www.lionarkthemovie.com
Lion Ark: 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 airlifted to freedom. A story of bravery, compassion, a country that said ‘no’ to cruelty and how attitudes to animals changed across a continent.
AWARDS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Winner Audience Choice Best Documentary, San Diego Film Festival
Winner Best Documentary, Omaha International Film Festival
Winner Audience Choice- Environmental Film, Sedona International Film Festival
Winner Audience Favorite Documentary, Palm Beach International Film Festival
Winner Best Documentary, Sun & Sand- The Mississippi Film & Music Festival
Audience Choice Best Documentary, Anchorage International Film Festival
Nominated: Outstanding International Motion Picture, 45th NAACP Image Awards
Official Selection Raindance Film Festival, London
Official Selection Mill Valley Film Festival
Official Selection Hawaii International Film Festival
Official Selection Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival
Official Selection Virginia Film Festival
Official Selection Starz Denver Film Festival
Official Selection Irvine International Film Festival
Official Selection Beloit International Film Festival
Official Selection Crossroads Festival for Documentary Film and Discourse, Austria
REVIEWS
“Compelling cinema verité” – The Hollywood Reporter
“If you enjoy movies filled with suspense, thrills, surprises, adventure and action, put Lion Ark on your must-see list. For me, Lion Ark is the feel-good movie of the year!” – Reel Talk
“Lion Ark proceeds with refreshing unpredictability” The New York Times
“Lion Ark is through and through entertaining…..be ready for some up-tempo action-adventure of the most thrilling variety: real-life.”
– Stark Insider
“…thoroughly rewarding”
– TV and Film Review
“Lion Ark is an awe-inspiring journey that grips and engages”
– Britflicks
“Lion Ark takes an already incredible and unforgettable story and breathes life and passion and transformation into it…. one of your must-see films of 2013.”
– The Independent Critic
“A consciousness-raising milestone of a documentary”
– Edgar Vaid, The Ecologist
“…an emotionally powerful film….will restore some faith in humanity.”
– JM Willis, Shockya.com
“Lion Ark is a film that will grab your attention and your heart”
– Alexis Higgins, CMR Movie Reviews and News
“… heartwarming, beautiful and inspirational. It reminds you of the majestic power of documentary filmmaking and its ability to stir true emotion.”
– Justin Bozung, Shock Cinema Magazine / Mondo Film & Video Guide
“… ultimately an uplifting story… a revealing documentary with a lot of heart.”
– Jennie Kermode, Eye For Film
“AMAZING! Viewers will be crying tears of joy throughout….”
– Renee Snyder, International Animal Welfare Examiner, The Examiner
More reviews and links to all above review in full http://www.lionarkthemovie.com/news/lion-ark-reviews/
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