Suche
Mein Konto
Penguin friendship in the heart of Argentina: A teacher changes his life
On June 15, 2025, “The Penguin of My Life” with Steve Coogan will celebrate its premiere in Mülheim an der Ruhr - a touching comedy about friendship and self-discovery.
Penguin friendship in the heart of Argentina: A teacher changes his life
On June 15, 2025, the film “The Penguin of My Life” (original title: “The Penguin Lessons”) will be premiered in Cologne and will bring the stories of friendship and personal development to the big screen. In this touching comedy based on true events, British teacher Tom Michell, played by Steve Coogan, takes on the role of an educator who moves to Argentina in 1976.
The action takes place in a tense political atmosphere, as Argentina is ruled by a military dictatorship characterized by repression and violence. Tom doesn't have an easy time finding his way in his new surroundings and is also in conflict with the strict headmaster, played by Jonathan Pryce. But the decisive turning point comes with a fateful walk on the beach: he finds an orphaned penguin, which he names Juan Salvador.
An extraordinary friendship
Juan Salvador is more than just a pet. The Magellanic Penguin becomes Tom's loyal companion and helps him come to terms with his dark past and discover new facets of his personality. Despite the house rules that prohibit animals at school, the penguin wins the hearts of students and teachers. The film impressively shows how Tom's human emotions develop through his friendship with Juan Salvador and help him to better cope with the challenges of a foreign culture and political instability.
The film is directed by Peter Cattaneo, known for his work on The Full Monty, and written by Jeff Pope. The production, which began in Spain in 2023, combines humor with seriousness and takes viewers on an emotional journey. The premiere took place at the Toronto International Film Festival in autumn 2024 and the cinema release in Germany is scheduled for April 24, 2025.
A film for the heart and mind
“The Penguin of My Life” has the potential to delight audiences of all ages. The charming story of the unlikely couple Tom and Juan Salvador not only promotes empathy, but also highlights many social issues in a gripping light. This makes the film suitable for a broad target group and is approved as a family comedy for ages 6 and up.
Prepare to immerse yourself in a story that shows that love and friendship, even between humans and animals, always find a way to reach people's hearts. Find out more on the pages of Mülheim an der Ruhr, IFFO and NDR about the upcoming event and experience this magical film with us!