An Elephant in Need is a Best Friend Indeed

CHICAGO, IL, Feb. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - In the midst of an unprecedented tragedy involving the slaughtering of nearly 40 thousand elephants due to the resurgence of the illegal ivory trade, comes a new live action family film, My Lucky Elephant, that further highlights the majestic appeal of this rapidly declining species.

My Lucky Elephant opens the door to a world rarely captured on screen, the heart felt relationship and adventure between a boy and an elephant, both left as orphans.

Movie director Eric Schwab filmed in the forests of Thailand, capturing the exotic scenery and interactions of Asian Elephants in their own home. There, he witnessed an undeniable connection between a young ambitious boy and a heart struck elephant, putting to rest questions on whether it was possible to film a plot featuring a realistic relationship rather than training the elephant to fake his actions to conform to a script 

"Once I witnessed the relationship formed between our young character and the elephant off camera, it was apparent that I needed to keep that relationship going," said film director Eric Schwab.

A seasonal drought causes Lucky and his boy companion to pursue the city for greener pastures. Once they arrive, the two quickly find out work in the city can be lucrative but dangerous. A couple of close encounters with police and ivory dealers lead them to a new home outside the city, where Lucky discovers he has a creative talent--and becomes a master painter.

Despite a good living and a popular job both fought to maintain, a relationship built on patience and trust is now in jeopardy once the young boy realizes his only friend yearns for a family of his own. He faces the dilemma of keeping his loyal elephant around for his own personal needs, or to selflessly release it to start a family with his female companion.

The humanistic traits showcased by the elephants of this film sheds light on the importance of maintaining the elephant livestock in lieu of insensitive ivory killing. Illegal poaching has reached its highest rate in decades according to Forbes, which has caused the elephant population to drop from 1.3 million to fewer than 470,000 since 1979, reported by the New York Times.

My Lucky Elephant, in using a family film to show the wonders, majesty and beauty of this unique animal, draws needed attention to the pressing need to help save them. For more information on the movie, which will be available on DVD and VOD on Feb 26^th, go to MyLuckyElephantMovie.com.

SOURCE Rob Amaefule's Office