Directed by Gilles de Maistre, Mia and the White Lion follows ten-year-old Mia, played by Daniah De Villiers. Her life is turned upside down when her family decides to leave London to manage a lion farm in Africa. The movie is filmed in South Africa with gorgeous landscapes and expansive views.

When a beautiful white lion, Charlie, is born, Mia finds happiness again and develops a special bond with the growing cub. During this time the movie was shot throughout three years. The young stars De Villiers and Ryan Mac Lennan, who plays Mia’s brother, could bond and develop genuine relationships with the lions and other animals in the film.

When Charlie reaches three, Mia’s life is rocked once again as she uncovers an upsetting secret hidden by her father, played by Langley Kirkwood. Distraught that Charlie could be in danger, Mia decides to rescue him. The two friends set out on an incredible journey across the South African savanna, searching for a sanctuary where Charlie can live out his life in freedom.

The movie also stars Mélanie Laurent as Mia’s mother.

Prune de Maistre and William Davies co-write the screenplay. Davies is known for writing How To Train Your Dragon and Puss in Boots. The movie is based on Maistre’s original idea, and this is her first produced screenplay.

This is a heartfelt movie, and the trailer embarrassingly brought tears to my eyes. I am a pushover for sentimental films about animals.