Zoo which is based on the true story of a keeper at Belfast Zoo during the 1941 blitz, is set to have its gala premiere in the city tomorrow night (Tuesday)
The film is written and directed by Belfast born Colin McIvor.
Shot on location in Belfast, the gala screening will be held at the Movie House, Dublin Road. It will be attended by stars Penelope Wilton from Downton Abbey and Donegal man Art Parkinson, and director Colin McIvor.
Zoo follows a young boy’s friendship with a baby elephant called Buster, and his attempt to rescue him from Belfast Zoo during WWII as German air raids threaten the lives of the animals.
As Tom and his young friends secretly liberate Buster and try to avoid detection, they learn life lessons and cement their friendships.
Writer and Director Colin McIvor said the screenplay has developed into a brave, enchanting and important film and one that he is very proud to have made.
“I am so pleased that we will open the film here in Belfast, where the story was born, and I hope that local audiences will fall in love with the story of Buster and his friends,” he said.
Also starring Ian McElhinney, Toby Jones, and Amy Huberman, Zoo open in cinemas across Northern Ireland from Friday, June 29.