Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way Productions is boarding the North American theatrical release of Joshua Zeman's documentary “Checkpoint Zoo,” which chronicles a “daring rescue led by a heroic team of zookeepers and volunteers, who risked their lives to save thousands of animals trapped in a zoo behind enemy lines during the initial days of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine.”
Appian Way joins Noah Media Group and Ghost Robot, Abramorama deals with North American drama distribution rights and global sales globally. The film’s North American drama release will begin in New York City later this summer, hosted by a director and hosted by a special guest.
"As a filmmaker, it's hard to find an exciting story (so hopeful) that it brings you tears. That's the power of stories about animals. Looking at these men and women, dodging bombs while carrying the safety of lions - it restores your faith in humanity," Zeman said in a statement. "I think viewers are eager for these types of stories now - stories about real-life heroes that empathize, empathy and selflessness."
The press release will follow the Tribeca Festival Premiere at "Checkpoint Zoo" and high heels for ongoing music festivals, including stops at Tribeca, Mill Valley, Mill Valley, Palm Springs, Sonoma and Salem Film Film Festivals. Recently, "Checkpoint Zoo" won a jury award at Miami, Annapolis and Minneapolis, St. Paul Film Festival.
Tuesday, May 6
In the summer lineup of the Academy Museum
"Virgin Suicide" with Sofia Coppola and Kirsten Dunst, the 35mm "The Adventure of the Pee" and "Sugarland Express" with Goldie Hawn with Goldie Hawn In-Inser-Merior are one of the Academy Museum lineups this summer.
From June 1 to August. 30. The museum will celebrate this season with the film series "Summer of Summer!". Bringing cult classics like "Austin Bowles: The International Mysterious", "White Chicken" and "The Gazebo". Another series called "Queer, Period: Desire for Age" will take place from June 15-30, bringing historical dramas and period works that tell subtle queer stories.
Other highlights include the 4K recovery screening on June 13, “A Flying Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”, paying tribute to Val Kilmer, and 4K screening of the “Gravestone” on June 28, screening the Oscar-nominated documentary “Crip Camp” on July 19, and talking with directors Jim Lebrecht and Nicole Newnham on July 19.
“This summer’s lineup reflects the creativity and collaboration that defines the Academy’s museum,” Amy Homma, director and president of the Academy’s museum, said in a statement. “From filmmakers’ speeches and well-curated film series to hands-on workshops of all ages, we bring together a wide range of voices and perspectives. Shows like our “Crip Camp” conversations and screenings can inspire how cinemas inspire conversations, communities and change, all made possible by helping to shape the artists and partners who have these experiences.”
A complete list of filters and events can be found here.
Monday, May 5
American Pavilion unveils 2025 Cannes emerging film producer display
American Pavilion held this year's emerging film producer showcase lineup in Cannes, which included 16 female directors and Jason Reitman ("Saturday Night"), Rainn Wilson ("Office"), Flora Jiwu Hwang, Flora Jiwu Hwang ("Beef") and Lisa Emery ("ozark") associated with the selected project.
"The exhibition of Emerging Filmmakers continues to showcase a large number of film and film producers, focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion," Emerging Filmmakers Show Director Monika Skerbelis said in a statement. "I'm excited that we worked with Golden House for the second year while presenting the Cultural Influence Award."
The showcase films of emerging filmmakers include "Agiter", "Dear Master", "Escape", "Little Orange Flag", "Miriam", "Ragamuffin", "Ragamuffin", "Sally, Mather Potagees" and "She is Us: The Story of Judge Songhai Armstead".
LGBTQ+ display options include "Dance of Tomorrow", "Hand-Knitted", "Happy New Year, Ms. Luna", "Disturbation", "Old Girl in Tatu: Susan Rennie ruins art history, "speed", "Safe State", "Safe State" and "Saturday Ceremony". Projects in the student presentation of emerging film producers include "Ada and Doc", "Before Winter", "Chase Jupiter", "Christmas, Everyday", "Hicks Happy Hour", "Life and Life and Soul", "Life and Soul", "Loved Day", "Private I", "Private I", and "Adult Lies".
The film will be screened at the U.S. Pavilion on Tuesday, May 20 and Wednesday, May 21.