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Family film Zoo is set to have its gala premiere in Belfast.

The film, which is written and directed by Belfast born Colin McIvor, is based on the true story of a keeper at Belfast Zoo during the Blitz of 1941 known as the "elephant angel".

Shot on location in Belfast , Zoo retells one of Northern Ireland's most heartwarming wartime tales.

Now it is set for a gala screening in Movie House, Dublin Road, on Tuesday, June 19.

It will be attended by leading actress Penelope Wilton, director Colin McIvor and the film lead, Art Parkinson.

Zoo tells the story of a young boy’s friendship with a baby elephant named Buster, and his desperate attempt to rescue him from Belfast Zoo during WWII, as German air raids rock the city and threaten the lives of all the animals.

As Tom and his young friends secretly liberate Buster and try to avoid detection from the authorities, the group learn invaluable life lessons and strengthen their friendships, with Buster the baby elephant at the centre of it all.

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

“I am so pleased that we will open 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.”

Zoo stars Art Parkinson, Penelope Wilton, Toby Jones, Amy Huberman and Ian McElhinney and will be in cinemas across Northern Ireland from June 29.

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