Brian Blessed Roars his Approval for Lion Ark at Raindance Film Festival World Premiere

LONDON, October 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Images available from 4.30pm (© Animal Defenders International): http://bit.ly/LionArkMediaImages

Brian Blessed delighted a glamorous celebrity audience this evening as he played host at the star-studded world premiere of ADI Films' action-documentary Lion Ark at Raindance Film Festival.

Celebrities turned out in style to support Lion Ark, which follows the epic battle to rescue 25 lions from illegal circuses in Bolivia. Nutritionist Gillian McKeith, DJ Sarah Young, singer-songwriter Lynsey De Paul, TV host Wendy Turner-Webster, Northern Line's Dan Corsi, and Wire's Robert Gotobed and Colin Newman attended the glitzy Lion Ark world premiere, where Brian Blessed made his address.

Brian Blessed: "Buckle up for a nail-biting adventure following the truly outstanding ADI as they struggle to liberate long-suffering circus lions and restore their true majesty. Lion Ark will leave you roaring for joy!"

Lion Ark is 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 film has attracted droves of celebrity support and glowing reviews.

Joanna Lumley: "The resilience shown by the lions and the ADI rescuers in Lion Ark is astounding. You must see Lion Ark."

Twiggy: "The dedication, skill and guts shown by the ADI rescue team in Lion Ark is inspiring."

DJ Sarah Young: "I am so pleased to support Lion Ark at its world premiere. Animals don't belong in the circus!"

Director Tim Phillips: "I am overwhelmed by the roaring reviews and celebrity support for Lion Ark. This glamorous world premiere screening is a fitting tribute to the magnificent Lion Ark stars, now living in their Colorado sanctuary."

Lion Ark follows the world's most ambitious and daring animal rescue which begins with a shocking undercover investigation and leads to a ban on animal circuses in Bolivia; when the circuses defy the law, the team behind the investigation returns, tracking down the illegal circuses and saving every animal.

All aspects of the remarkable rescue operation were recorded and Lion Ark is meticulously compiled from film, interviews, conversations and the reactions of participants as events unfold. 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. Tim Phillips says that it was "a painstaking, but worthwhile, process."

The rescue was backed by Emmy award-winning TV host Bob Barker and ADI Ambassador and CSI actress Jorja Fox, both of whom appear in the film. Bob Barker's support enabled the rescue team to empty Bolivia of its suffering circus animals and build homes for them in the US.

Jorja Fox is due to host the Lion Ark premieres in the US at Mill Valley Film Festival on October 5.

For more information and to watch the trailer, please visit http://www.LionArkthemovie.com.

Email: prdesk@ad-international.org

SOURCE Animal Defenders International