Latest Event
‘Kat Kramer’s Films That Change the World’ Takes on Elephant Controversy
“Elephants and Man: A Litany of Tragedy” has been selected as the Winter 2011 presentation of “Kat Kramer’s Films That Change the World” series, which will be held as an invitation-only event at Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood. The documentary will screen January 20, 2011.
Legendary actress Lily Tomlin has been set as the first celebrity panel member in a Q and A session that will follow the screening. Tomlin, along with many others, has been involved in a high-profile effort to free an elephant named Billy from the Los Angeles Zoo, where he has lived in isolation for two decades. Tomlin has also taken an active role in freeing elephants from other zoos across the country.
“Since educating myself to the needs, intelligence and sensitivity of elephants, I’ve learned that elephants cannot thrive and live decent lives in zoos,” she said. “These magnificent creatures pay a dear price for the ‘enjoyment’ of zoo visitors and the personal gain of others. The elephants develop mental and physical problems in captivity that cause them to suffer daily, and most then die prematurely. There simply is not enough room at any urban zoo facility to accommodate the physical and psychological needs of elephants.”
Executive produced by Melya Kaplan and directed by Jacek Kropinski, “Elephants and Man: A Litany of Tragedy” chronicles the history of elephants in captivity and the suffering they have endured at the hands of humans. In addition to being entertaining and educational, the film proposes practical solutions to the problem.
The screening of “Elephants and Man: A Litany of Tragedy” is being organized by actress/singer Kat Kramer. The event is expected to attract many prominent figures from the entertainment and animal rights communities.
Kramer, daughter of the late producer-director Stanley Kramer and goddaughter of Katharine Hepburn, founded “Kat Kramer’s Films That Change the World” in 2009 to screen films that draw attention to important social issues. “Elephants and Man: A Litany of Tragedy” is the third film to be selected for the series.
“There are well-meaning people on both sides of the debate, but I believe Billy would be happier and healthier in a sanctuary,” Kramer said. “He would have much more space to roam around. It would be a more natural environment for him, and he would be able to associate with other elephants. Elephants are very soc
ial creatures. Isolating them and putting them on display for humans is cruel.”
More information about the campaign to rescue Billy the Elephant is available at www.helpbilly.org.
Past Events
7th Annual Stand Up for Animals Presents The Laugh In Reunion
This year’s event was a huge success!!
Thank you to all who participated.