MarlaLewinGFV

by Marla Lewin

The World Premiere of "One Lucky Elephant" at the L.A. Film Festival attracted  Lily Tomlin, Academy Award-director, Kathryn Bigelow and actress Persia White ("Girlfriends"), who saw the film and stayed for a special panel discussion hosted by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) that focused on the plight of elephants and other wild animals in captivity.  Moderated by NY Times journalist and author Charles Siebert, the panel featured the film’s director Lisa Leeman and writer / producer Cristina Colissimo, Laura Balding (wife of Flora’s ‘father’, David Balding, featured in the film). Also their were scientist Dr. Toni Frohoff (behavioral and wildlife biologist and author of Dolphin Mysteries: Unlocking the Secrets of Communication), Dr. Lorin Lindner (clinical psychologist and author of Post-Traumatic Stress and Elephants in Captivity, and Ron Kagan (director, Detroit Zoo, one of the first zoos to close their elephant exhibit, relocating their elephants to sanctuaries).

The panel proved  as thought-provoking as the film.   Lisa Leeman stated "The film is about people as much as it is about animals" referring to the plight of David Balding finding the right place for Flora upon her retirement.  David's wife, Laura eloquently explained, “while our love for these animals is genuine, we must really take responsibility when caring for them.”  Moved by Laura's statement, Dr. Toni Frohoff turned to Laura Balding and said "Accountability is a testament to human ability" which resulted in  applause.

Perry Chen, a 10-year-old film critic who gave the film 4 out of 5 Starfish asked- "why are people so ignorant about animals feelings?

“One Lucky Elephant” screens again at the L.A. film Festival on Friday, June 25, at 5pm and Saturday, June 26, at 1:45 p.m, both at the Regal Cinemas.  Log onto www.oneluckyelephant.com for more information.