This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Roadside Attractions.
MY PENGUIN FRIEND is a family drama major motion picture based on a true story. Starring Jean Reno and Adriana Barraza, the movie is produced by City Hill Arts and distributed by Roadside Attractions. Rated PG for thematic content, it’s a family-friendly film for most ages. It is an English-language film, not dubbed nor subtitled. It was filmed in Brazil and Argentina.
My Penguin Friend opens with a fisherman’s family in a small village on the coast of Brazil. On the son’s birthday, a tragedy happens during a storm, and it impacts the family forever.
Years later, a penguin is found by the fisherman in the water. It’s been in an oil spill, and he takes care to clean, feed, and give it a temporary home. A child from the village names it Dindim. His wife is not crazy about it being in the house, so he builds it a nest behind their home. The penguin comes and goes, and the family becomes attached to it.
Still haunted by the tragedy of the past, caring for Dindim gives Joao purpose. He tried to set the penguin free on a neighboring barrier island, but Dindim returned. We see the joy return to Joao, and Dindim even goes on an adventure through the village. When it comes time for the normal migration period, the penguin leaves, but he returns months later.
While the penguin is in Argentina, he is tagged and the study team notices that he does well with both humans and the other penguins, which is not an ordinary behavior. But they are a smart animal and do well with adaption, and they have good vision receptors. They always return to the same nest. When it’s time to migrate, instead of following the other penguins, Dindim returns to Brazil, nearly 5000 miles away.
The scientists discover Dindim’s trek because someone from the village posted about it online and the tag matches. Joao reluctantly agrees to an interview as long as they respect that Dindim comes and goes as he pleases.
After Dindim migrates again, a university decides he should be studied, but Dindim escapes at the border checkpoint, and after a long and arduous journey, he finds his way back to Joao.
This migration journey continues for eight years. While they have no idea why it stopped, the scientists speculate that Dindim may have found a mate and started a family.
The movie is more than the story of a fisherman and a penguin, it is a feel-good healing story of hope and forgiveness for Joao and his wife, as Joao finds his way into the community again.
“Inspired by the true story of an extraordinary friendship,” it includes this message in the credits:
The filmmakers sincerely hope this film inspires us all to preserve our planet and its precious inhabitants.
My Penguin Friend is a beautiful and moving tale of friendship, hope, and love. An inspiring story, it’s a heartwarming treasure to be enjoyed by the whole family.
Where to Watch My Penguin Friend
My Penguin Friend is available to watch only in theaters starting August 16, 2024.
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