Don't miss free screening of 'Lion' Sunday, Jan. 21

Community members are invited to a free screening of the biographical film "Lion" on Sunday, January 21 in the Mission Viejo Council Chamber at 200 Civic Center Drive.

Sponsored by the Mission Viejo Community of Character, the film event starts at 2 p.m. and coincides with this month's character trait of "perseverance."

"Lion" was released in 2016 and received six Oscar nominations including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress (Nicole Kidman) and Best Adapted Screenplay.

The film centers on the true story of 5-year-old Saroo, who gets separated from his family and lost on a train which takes him thousands of miles across India, away from home and family.  Saroo must learn to survive alone in Kolkata, before ultimately being adopted by an Australian couple. Twenty-five years later, armed with only a handful of memories, his unwavering determination and a revolutionary technology known as Google Earth, he sets out to find his lost family and finally return to his first home.

The film ends with captions about the real Saroo's return to India in 2012. He discovers his real name is Sheru, a diminutive for Sher meaning lion.

The film is rated PG-13 and may not be suitable for younger kids. A post film discussion will be led by Bob Hayes and Elaine Portnoy.

For more information about this Film of Character event, call 949-830-7100, ext. 5128.