Premier of 'Zoo' set in Belfast during WWII screened in the city

by Gráinne Connolly

The stars of a new film set in Belfast have walked the red carpet ahead of it's official release here. 

Zoo tells the true story of lead character, Tom and his friendship with a baby elephant named Buster as he desperately attempts to rescue him from Belfast Zoo during WWII. 

During this time, the German air raids shake the city and threaten the lives of all the animals there.

A gala screening of the new family film was held in the Movie House on Dublin Road, Belfast last night. 

The premier included a line up of movie talents including Penelope Wilton, Ian McElhinney and Art Parkinson. 

Alongside them is Amy Huberman with her husband Brian O'Driscoll. 

(Some of the Zoo cast including Art Parkinson and Penelope Wilton alongside film director Colm McIvor). 

Lead actor Art Parkinson who plays Tom, told Q Radio why he expects it to resonate with the local audience:

Meanwhile, fellow cast member Penelope Wilton who plays Denise says she really enjoyed being part of an unconventional storyline: 

Writer and director, Colin McIvor who is from Belfast says: 

“The screenplay has developed into a brave, enchanting and important film and one that I am very proud to have made.

“I am over the moon that we opened the film here in Belfast, where the story was borne, and I hope that local audiences will fall in love with the story of Buster and his friends.”

The film will be showed in all of the local cinemas across Northern Ireland from Friday 29th June. 

Watch the trailer of 'Zoo' in the link below: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSNMPCG8m5M