One Lucky Elephant, a documentary film directed by Lisa Leeman and produced by Cristina Colissimo and Jordana Jordana Glick-Franzheim, will open at Film Forum in New York on Wednesday, June 8 and at Laemmle Theaters in Los Angeles on Friday, June 24.  Ten years in the making, this poignant, compelling saga of Flora the Circus Elephant has screened to enthusiastic audience and critical reception at numerous international film festivals, winning Best Editing Award at the Woodstock Film Festival.

Where does an elephant go after a life in the circus?  Sixteen years have passed since circus producer David Balding adopted Flora, the orphaned baby African elephant. As Flora approaches adulthood, David realizes that she is not happy performing. Ultimately, he must face the difficult truth that the circus is no place for Flora; she needs to be with other elephants. The road to Flora’s retirement, however, is a difficult and emotional journey which tests their bond in unexpected ways.  ONE LUCKY ELEPHANT eschews easy sentimentality and doesn’t shy away from examining the problems and mysteries posed by keeping wild animals in captivity, while never losing sight of the delicate love story between a man and a 10,000 pound elephant, who share feelings of loyalty, sorrow, admiration and joy.  The film is suitable for children, 10 and older.

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