David Shurmann directed this sweeping family adventure. My Penguin Friend follows a triumphant tale of friendship between a lonely father and a little lost penguin who recharges his spirit and heals his family with an unshakable, ocean-crossing loyalty.
Humble fisherman João, played by Jean Reno, has turned away from the world in the wake of a tragedy. But when he discovers a penguin drifting alone in the ocean, drenched in oil from a spill, his first instinct is to help.
To his wife’s dismay, played by Adriana Barraza, he not only rescues the sea creature but also takes the flightless bird under his wing. For the first time in years, João feels joy, even if he cannot fathom just how unbreakable a bond is being formed.
When the penguin suddenly disappears back into the immense wilds of the ocean, João believes it is impossible that he will ever see his friend again. But thousands of miles away, the penguin is caught in misadventures, determined to use his unique GPS-like powers to find his way back to where he now considers home.
Based on an emotional true story that riveted the world and filmed on the spectacular coasts of Brazil and Argentina, My Penguin Friend is a tale that traverses the magic of the ocean, the beauty of nature, and the transformative power of love.
Before you watch the movie, have a handful of tissues. It’s a tearjerker.