Nature Documentary premieres at The Los Angeles Zoo.

Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA)and Rio Films present Los Angeles premiere of California Sea Lions-An Unforgettable Encounter. Actor Sean Astin will provide introductory remarks at event

July 13, 2005 -- What began as a filmmaker's dream will reach another milestone when the award-winning documentary, "California Sea Lions - An Unforgettable Encounter", narrated by actor Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings) premieres its final version on Saturday, August 6, 4 p.m., at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens presented by the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association and Rio Films.

"We are all very excited about the Los Angeles premiere taking place at the Zoo especially with the recent opening of the wonderful new Sea Lion Cliffs exhibit," says Alan De Herrera, the film's writer, producer and director. "The Los Angeles Zoo has an international reputation for excellence and its new theatre will provide the perfect venue."

In addition to Astin, director Alan De Herrera and Los Angeles Zoo Animal Care and Education staff members will make introductory remarks.

The documentary tells the story of the California sea lions who inhabit the western coast and has been an Official Selection at five film festivals nationwide. "Los Angeles is more known for its smog, traffic and amusement parks than it is for being near this incredible population of marine mammals and the Channel Islands they live in," says De Herrera. "What many residents of Los Angeles don't know is that thousands of these sea lions are swimming and playing in waters just off the western horizon. California sea lions live in a fascinating world and this film will take viewers on an adventure to places very few will ever see."

The film features sea lions playing in giant kelp forests, a colorful aquatic playground where mothers and pups unleash mesmerizing acrobatics rarely ever seen. With breathtaking photography underwater and topside, the work of marine biologists and marine mammal rescue centers in Southern California are highlighted as well. Mr. De Herrera is as proud about the educational value of "California Sea Lions - An Unforgettable Encounter", a family film for all ages, as for the entertainment value. "Kids and adults all over Southern California are going to learn about sea lions and their Channel Islands environment and have a lot of fun watching them at the same time."

The screening will take place in the Witherbee Auditorium of the Los Angeles Zoo's Children's Discovery Center. Admission is $10 per adult and $6 per child. A portion of the ticket price assists the Los Angeles Zoo with conservation and education efforts. Reservations may be made by calling the Los Angeles Zoo's event hotline at (323) 644-6042. Doors open at 3:45 p.m. The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the Golden State (5) and Ventura (134) freeways. For additional information, visit http://www.lazoo.org and http://www.riofilms.com

Mr. De Herrera is available for interviews and can be reached at (714) 401-8610. "California Sea Lions-An Unforgettable Encounter" is currently on national tour, aided by the generous sponsorship of a digital projector from Epson America, Inc.

# # #