What an honor the extraordinary opportunity to interview iconic actor Jean Reno, together with film director David Schurmann to talk about an inspiring story. About the Film: Among tales of remarkable human-animal friendships few true stories have been as mysterious, or as profoundly touching, as that of the little Magellanic penguin who crossed the vast ocean, again and again, of his own accord, to visit the fisherman who rescued him from peril. Now this “penguin out of water” tale comes to theaters as an emotional and poignant family adventure, a journey of friendship, courage, compassion, and the power of love to reach across even the greatest emotional and oceanic distances. Shot amid the breathtaking tropical coasts of Brazil and vibrant penguin colonies of Patagonia, My Penguin Friend breaks the mold by featuring live penguins in performance alongside a global cast led by international screen legend Jean Reno and Oscar-nominated Adriana Barraza. Rather than forge artificial penguins from CGI or animation, the filmmakers utilized the inimitable, fun-loving personalities of a group of real rescued penguins (unable to safely return to the ocean) whose wellbeing and happiness were priority one. This allowed for organic, deeply felt bonds to emerge between the actors and the enchanting birds. The result is a heartfelt experience that is both epic, set against the grand scope and wildness of the marine world, and intimately fable- like, homing in on what it means to find an unexpected friend when you most need it. Director David Schurmann weaves his lifelong personal experience with the ocean—living at sea since childhood—into his penchant for emotional storytelling throughout the film. Says Schurmann, My Penguin Friend is based on a wonderful true story that amazed the world, but what I saw in it was a beautiful, timeless fable. My hope is that audiences will feel immersed into this life- changing adventure that unfolds between the fisherman João and the penguin DinDim and that it will connect with people of all ages and all backgrounds. We set out to make a movie that is not only fun, entertaining, and visually exciting but captures something deeper about love and about the enchantment the natural world gifts to us.” #MyPenguinFriend #JeanReno #DavidSchurmann #movie
