Director:

More action adventure than traditional documentary, Lion Ark follows the world’s most ambitious and daring animal rescue, with a narrative meticulously compiled from film, interviews, conversations and the reactions of participants as events actually unfold. A shocking undercover investigation leads to a ban on animal circuses in Bolivia. But the circuses defy the law. The team behind the investigation return, track down the illegal circuses and save every animal. The confrontations, heartache and incredible risks the rescue team face are all captured before a joyous finale sees 25 lions airlifted to freedom in Colorado. An uplifting story of bravery, compassion, camaraderie and determination. How a poor but proud country said ‘no’ to cruelty and how attitudes to animals were changed across an entire continent.

The New York Times
Jeannette Catsoulis
Variety
Geoffrey Berkshire
Pajiba
Cindy Davis
Eye for FilmB
Jennie Kermode
Village Voice
Hannah Zimmerman
ReelTalk
Betty Jo Tucker