I just thought I’d better let you all know that our film screening this Saturday had to be cancelled due to a lack of confirmed bookings. It’s a shame as it would have raised much needed funds but we will re-schedule and obviously post details as soon as we have a new date.
In the meantime you may like to watch this little video of Iris, one of the bears whose rescue is featured in “Cages of Shame”. As you can see she is now a very happy, playful and carefree bear.
Come and join the London Animals Asia Support Group for a screening of the award winning “Cages of Shame” by Martin Guinness on Saturday 21 September at the Odeon Lounge Bayswater. The film tells the story of bear bile farming in China and the mission to save ten bears and close down the last remaining bear farm in Shandong Province.
This is a very inspirational film showing the dedication of the amazing Animals Asia team and the help received from locals on the long drive back home to the sanctuary in Chengdu. It also features Oliver’s dramatic and life saving operation on the back of a truck. He is living happily at the sanctuary today, aged 33.
Muffins and juice will be available throughout and we will have a mini auction after the screening.
About 95% of the £30 entrance fee will go towards helping the animals as the Odeon Lounge has very generously donated the use of the theatre, the technician is volunteering his time and most of the catering has been donated as well.
Doors open at 10.30am for an 11am screening
Places are strictly limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. You can book online here or use the form below to reserve your tickets if you prefer to pay by cheque. Please note that the online booking is subject to a small booking fee.
Virginia McKenna on “Cages of Shame”
I had seen for myself, on my visit to China, the devotion of all the staff in Chengdu to the rescued bears, and the high standard of care and sensitivity to the needs of all those special animals. But when I saw “Cages of Shame” my feelings of admiration rose even higher. The gruelling journey, for both animals and humans, the fear that some might not survive it and the emergency operation, the gathering exhaustion. But the unfailing calm and professionalism were inspirational to all of us privileged to watch the story unfold. Our joy, as an audience, when the convoy reached the sanctuary was overwhelming. I just want to thank you. We watch from afar but you are never forgotten.
Virginia McKenna OBE
Founder Born Free Foundation
Patron Animals Asia
Our screening of “Cages of Shame” on Wednesday was a huge success and a big thank you is due to all who helped with the organisation and on the day: Hilary, Seb, Babs, Kay, John and Chloe and of course the lovely, lovely Peter Egan who very kindly volunteered to be our auctioneer and helped us raise £1620 with the auction alone.
As expected the film had everyone in tears, sad and happy tears. Supporter Sue Edwards summed it up perfectly on our Facebook page:
“Enjoyed meeting everyone again today ..Cages of Shame is fantastic. Yes of course it’s sad but you get to see from the inside how Animals Asia works. The terrible condition the bears are in when rescued. But you also see how the bears live now and the fantastic life Animals Asia has given them. Sad tears and Happy tears shed today.”
A big thank you also to fabulous Animals Asia friend and supporter Rula Lenska who is always there to support.
The “icing on the cake” was Jill of course – loved and adored by all. The film alone is superb and so very deserving of the award but to have Jill there to give us an update on the “New Year Rescue” bears and the situation in Vietnam and China in general made this event extra special.
We had a full house – full of very kind and generous supporters, old and new and just couldn’t have wished for a better day. Thank you to everyone who came and helped make this day as special as it was and of course to the Odeon Lounge for making this all possible in the first place by letting us use this amazing venue free of charge.
Rula Lenska, Lesley Nicol, Jill Robinson and Peter Egan with “Oliver Bear”
London Animals Asia Support Group 