After attending the VIP special screening of "The Last Lions" in Chelsea followed by a Q&A with both filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, and narrator, Jeremy Irons, I must say I was deeply captivated and impressed with its entirety. The story alone encompasses an incredible insight to the daily struggles and risks that need to be taken in in order to survive. This emotionally stimulating yet heart-rendering tale is, in truth, quite the attention getter providing the audience with a sound and picture quality that put [us] in Botswana both physically and mentally. A wildlife adventure would be an understatement if one had to describe what Ma di Tau and her cubs had to relinquish.
This movie made me aware of just how humanistic these animals can be when it comes to protection, survival, loss and gain and love. Not one time did I get bored or divert my eyes away from the screen. I took a second to look to my left over at the long row of people who sat looking up at the big screen before them, almost catching a glimpse of hope in their eyes as they awaited for the next scene to play out what would happen next to this struggling family. I remember smiling to myself at just how engaged the audience was when certain scenes illustrated their way of life. I remember thinking: These beautiful animals, who have minimized in size over the past 50 years from 450,000 to as few as 20,000 are astonishingly amazing in every way. Even when they fight and kill. I am still rendered speechless at just how unbelievably proud they are of who they become with age and experience. Thanks to the Joubert's and Irons, we got a "real" feel of just how captivating this entire journey was - 2 years in the making.
Dereck and Beverly Joubert were two of the most down to earth people I could have had the privilege of being in the same room as. They answered each question clearly and even hung around for a bit afterward to speak to some of the audience members and/or people they know. I, of course, was too shy to even say Hi, but after realizing how friendly and approachable they were, it eased the tension floating in the air around me. I had asked Beverly if she was thinking of returning back to the land where they had filmed Ma di Tau and her cub for a sequel, and she kindly said that she didn't think they would (but who knows, right?). Jeremy Irons, well known actor known for his role in the voice of Scar from "The Lion King," was also present which was a nice surprise after finding out who he really was. He too was a helpful soul who provided humor and the like to the Q&A portion proceeding the film. After much communication, we followed the them down to the 2nd floor lobby and said good-bye as we walked off thinking of a million other questions we could have asked. It's an overwhelming experience that I am PROUD to say that I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Because I am such an avid animal activist, I had the privilege of being a part of this event, so once again:
Thank you National Geographic and Botswana Tourism Board for inviting me to your special screening. I had the BEST time ever! (And many many thanks for providing the audience with a "travel Botswana" CD that I will most definitely use when I plan my safari trip to Botswana... Which I intend to do a lot sooner than I anticipate).
The diligence and effort placed into this documentary film is unlike any other I have seen. If you have the chance to watch it, WATCH IT. You will NOT regret it. Five Stars!
Watch The Last Lions trailer on YouTube and National Geographic will contribute $.10 for each viewing until we hit one million views.
Also, please don't forget to visit causeanuproar.org to find out how YOU can help save these beautiful big cats. Thank you!
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