On Tuesday, Oct. 25, Born Free USA will host the only Northern California presentation of the award-winning film “One Lucky Elephant.” The film’s writer and producer, Cristina Colissimo, and Born Free’s chief executive officer, Will Travers, will speak and answer questions about the film and about the sad plight of elephants.
The screening will be at 6:30 p.m. at the Guild Theater, 2828 35th St. in Sacramento.
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“One Lucky Elephant” is a documentary that explores the consequences of keeping wild animals in captivity. The film begins with circus producer David Balding’s realization that Flora, the orphaned African elephant he adopted and made the star of his circus, is tired of performing. What unfolds is a nine-year odyssey to find Flora a good home. Caught between the human and animal world, Flora epitomizes the harsh reality that elephants face in an expanding man-made world. Through Flora and David’s story, the film raises questions about the complex relationships with animals.
Travers, one of the world’s leading experts on elephants, said, “This incredible tale of exploration highlights all of the reasons why wildlife simply belongs in the wild. It shines a spotlight on the deepest, truest emotions of elephants. They are extraordinary beings, and we couldn’t be more pleased that Flora — the film’s star — has gotten a second chance at a peaceful life at The Elephant Sanctuary.”
The New York Times called the film “sweet, heart- and trunk-tugging.” Film Journal International said, “This superbly informative, affecting documentary about an undying bond between man and beast may well be the most moving film of 2011.” And Hollywood Reporter said, “A timely, emotionally engaging look at interspecies bonds … impressive and affecting.”
Among its numerous awards and honors, “One Lucky Elephant” was an official selection at the International Documentary Film Festival of Amsterdam, the Stella Artois St.Louis International Film Festival and the Los Angeles Film Festival.
Tickets for the Sacramento screening are $10 general, $8 for students and seniors, and $5 for ages 12 and younger. Purchase tickets at www.bornfreeusa.org/oneluckyelephant. For group rates, call (916) 447-3085. This film is appropriate for all ages; it contains no graphic images.
Born Free USA (BFUSA) is a nationally recognized leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Through litigation, legislation and public education, BFUSA leads vital campaigns against animals in entertainment, exotic “pets,” trapping and fur, and destructive international wildlife trade. BFUSA’s Primate Sanctuary in Texas is home to more than 500 primates rescued from laboratories, roadside zoos and private possession. BFUSA brings to America the message of “compassionate conservation,” the vision of the United Kingdom-based Born Free Foundation, established in 1984 by Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna, stars of the iconic film “Born Free,” along with their son Will, now CEO of both organizations. BFUSA’s mission is to end suffering of wild animals in captivity, conserve threatened and endangered species, and encourage compassionate conservation globally.
More at www.bornfreeusa.org; on twitter at http://twitter.com/bornfreeusa; and facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BornFreeUSA.
Media Contact: Rodi Rosensweig, (203) 270-8929; rodicompany@earthlink.net.