Free documentary screening at mall theater

The Documentary Film Society of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church is hosting a free screening of the 2010 film "The Elephant in the Living Room" at 7 p.m. tonight at Franklin Park Mall's Rave Motion Picture Theater.

The Rev. Jeremiah Williamson and rector of St. Andrew's, started the Documentary Society in 2010 with Kirk Baird, staff writer for the Toledo Blade and parishioner of the church. Baird will be hosting and moderating the event which typically occurs in St. Andrew's Parish Hall every month.

This month's film, "The Elephant in the Living Room," examines the subculture of exotic animal owners and the dangers of such pets. The domestication of wild animals has become a fad for those with the space and finances for it.

"There are 15,000 big cats living with exotic animal owners in the U.S. There are more tigers in captivity in Texas than in the wild of India," the documentary states.

"‘The Elephant in the Living Room' received five best documentary awards and opened in more than 60 cities earlier this year. Now, in its first two weeks of video release, it has held the title of No. 1 position on iTunes among Independent Film releases," Baird said in an article from Toledo Blade.

Following the screening will be a question and answer session with the movie's director, Michael Webber of Los Angeles.

Audience members will have the chance to ask questions, comment on the film and receive feedback.

"There are two reasons I chose to launch the second season of the Documentary Society of St. Andrew's with ‘The Elephant in the Living Room.' First, it's a well-made documentary that tackles a little-known subject — keeping wild animals for pets — that many suggest is an escalating problem nationwide."

Baird said in a press release on www.wheresthecat.com. "Remember the woman in Connecticut who was mauled by her friend's chimpanzee in 2009. Second, most of the documentary was filmed in southern Ohio, which lends the film local relevance."

Rave Motion Pictures donated the venue for the special screening and Baird suggests visiting the concessions to show appreciation for the event.