Roadside Attractions has acquired the U.S. distribution rights from City Hill Arts to the family adventure, The Penguin & The Fisherman, inspired by the incredible true story and viral sensation of João Perei de Souza (Jean Reno) and a lost penguin who – after being rescued from an oil spill – transforms the life and soul of a heartbroken fisherman. The penguin and the fisherman become unlikely friends, so bonded that even the vast ocean cannot divide them.
Directed by David Schurmann and co-written by Kristen Lazarian and Paulina Lagudi Ulrich, the film stars César Award nominee Jean Reno (The Professional, The Pink Panther) and Academy Award® and Golden Globe-nominee Adriana Barraza (Babel, Blue Beetle), with Argentinian stars Nicolás Francella, Alexia Moyano and Rocío Hernández filling out the cast. Roadside is planning a late Summer/early Fall wide theatrical release. Lionsgate will distribute Home Entertainment; Fortitude International is handling foreign sales.
A sweeping family adventure, The Penguin & The Fisherman is 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 (International star Jean Reno) has turned away from the world in the wake of 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 (Oscar nominee Adriana Barraza) dismay, he not only rescues the sea creature, but takes the flightless bird under his wing. For the first time in years, João starts to feel 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 of his own, determined to use his unique GPS-like powers to find his way back to the place he now considers home. Based on an emotional true story that riveted the world and filmed on the spectacular coasts of Brazil and Argentina, The Penguin & The Fisherman is a tale that traverses the magic of the ocean, the beauty of nature, and the transformative power of love.
“We are extremely proud of this inspirational film, which embodies our mission to revitalize people, planet, and perspective at City Hill Arts. We could not have asked for a better partner than Roadside Attractions whose vision for this film and sensibilities are completely aligned with ours,” said City Hill Arts founder and CEO, Jonathan Lim.
“This amazing true story of a man with a deep bond with a penguin is so inspiring it gives us a bit of hope for the planet. We think the film will captivate audiences of all ages across the US later this year,” said Co-Presidents Howard Cohen and Eric d’Arbeloff.
Filmed primarily on the tropical beaches of Brazil and amongst a colony of nearly a million penguins in Patagonia by Academy Award® winning Cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle (Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours), The Penguin & The Fisherman is produced by City Hill Arts; producers include Jonathan Lim, Robin Jonas, Steven P. Wegner, Andreas Wentz, Nicolas Veinberg, Shaked Berenson and Patrick Ewald.
The deal was negotiated by Co-President Roadside Attractions Howard Cohen and City Hill Arts CEO Jonathan Lim and D Squared Films’ David Dinerstein.
