The magnificent success of the Australian film LION continues, with the film taking $11.5 million in the 11 days since it was released in local cinemas. Saroo Brierley’s incredible true story about love, hope and family has held the Number One position at the Australian box office for the second weekend in a row, a record for an independent Australian film. The box office for the second weekend of release moves LION further up the record books. The Great Gatsby is the only Australian film to have taken more on the second weekend. **

Following the exciting news last week that the film had received six Academy Award nominations, including one for Best Film, LION is also winning the hearts of New Zealand audiences with a second weekend at the top of the local box office with NZD$1.2 million. The Australian story continues to win hearts all around the world, having grossed almost $50 million in worldwide box office to date. LION expands to over 1,800 screens in the US this Friday.

"It is so gratifying to see Saroo's story connect with audiences.  The positive feedback has been overwhelming.  At a time when the world seems to be fractured, LION offers hope and joy.  Its themes of love and family shine bright for audiences worldwide," said Richard Payten and Andrew Mackie from Australian distributor Transmission Films.

LION is directed by Garth Davis from a screenplay by Luke Davies and it stars Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara, David Wenham and Sunny Pawar. See-Saw Films (The King’s Speech) produced the film in association with Aquarius Films and Sunstar Entertainment. Emile Sherman, Iain Canning and Angie Fielder are producers with Andrew Fraser, Shahen Mekertichian and Daniel Levin executive producing.

** Second weekend Box Office grosses for Australian films:

Great Gatsby - $4,561,335

Lion - $4,179,886

Mad Max: Fury Road - $4,169,178

Australia - $4,125,211

Happy Feet - $4,121,050