Don’t miss the highly acclaimed film "The Zookeeper" directed by ex Jo’burger RALPH ZIMAN (Director of award winning "Jerusalema"), at 14h00 on Thursday 20 August at 14h00 at the Rabbi Cyril Harris Community Centre (RCHCC).

The screenplay was also written by Ralph Ziman together with Matthew Bishop and stars Sam Neill, Om Puri, Gina McKee and Javor Loznica.
Critical opinions: "Superb & intimate acting by Neill" - The Hollywood Reporter; "The Zookeeper is well directed, poignant and, in the end, hopeful" - Lidia Ferrari
Awards: OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival; WINNER BEST FILM/ BEST ACTOR: Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.

Synopsis
In an unnamed Eastern European country ravaged by civil war, zookeeper Ludovic (Sam Neill) has been left with the vet (Om Puri) to care for the animals in a small zoo: a couple of tigers, a panther, several primates (including a pregnant monkey), a couple of elephants and various goats, sheep and birds. The city around them is being shelled, and they're hoping for a break in the fighting so that relief agencies can airlift the animals to safety.

However the sanctuary of the zoo is short-lived as a troop of soldiers called The Young Lions, suspicious of the vet's ethnicity, take him and brutally murders him, leaving Ludovic to tend to the animals alone. As he retreats further into his own world, his bubble is burst by the appearance of a young boy named Zioig (Javor Loznica) and his mother Ankica (Gina McKee). Survival becomes paramount as the war inches closer and closer to the zoo. As they struggle to keep the animals alive they discover each other, their secrets, and eventually, forgiveness and love.
There is a donation of R50 (including refreshments) required. The matinee is at the Clive M Beck Auditorium of the RCHCC, cnr Glenhove Rd and 4th Street, Houghton.

BOOKING: Hazel or Rene 011 728-8088/8378; After Hours 011 728-8378. Or email hazelc@greatpark.co.za or renes@greatpark.co.za