Lion Ark

More of an action adventure drama than a traditional documentary, Lion Ark follows what may be the world’s most ambitious and daring animal rescue ever undertaken. After a shocking undercover investigation leads to a ban on animal circuses in Bolivia, many of the circuses still continue to defy the law. But Animal Defenders International (ADI), the team behind the investigation, returns to track down the illegal circuses, liberate 25 lions from captivity and airlift them 5,000 miles to a wildlife sanctuary in Colorado. In the process, the team confronts vengeful circus owners, races against the oncoming rainy season and gives its all to bring healing and freedom to these majestic creatures. Assembled with live footage from the actual rescue, Lion Ark is a story of bravery, compassion, camaraderie and determination. What unfolds is the intense, dramatic birth of a global movement and the triumph of the lionhearted.

—Carol Harada