Inspired by the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work in an Argentinian school in 1976. Expecting a relaxing ride, Tom Michell discovers a divided nation and a class of unteachable students. But after he rescues a penguin from an oil-slicked beach, his life is turned upside down: Tom (Steve Coogan), a grumpy teacher, English through and through, arrives in Buenos Aires in the 1970s to teach English at a boys' boarding school. In the midst of the unrest caused by the military coup, his pupils are also rebellious and unteachable. This doesn't make things any easier for Tom. But his life takes an unexpected turn one day when he saves the life of a penguin on an oil-polluted beach in Uruguay and is unable to get rid of it despite his best efforts. The penguin moves onto Tom's terrace, becomes a loyal friend and a trusted penguin for his pupils. Penguins are not only incredibly cute, they are also excellent listeners...
'The Penguin Lessons' (2024) sensitively tells the true story of an unlikely friendship between humans and penguins. In the leading role of loner Tom Michell, Steve Coogan ('T'he Lost King', 'Stan & Ollie', 'Philomena'), who has won several British Academy Film Awards, strikes a fine balance between cynicism and warmth of heart. At his side, a little Magellanic penguin called 'Juan Salvador' embodies Tom Michell's cute companion, who wins over the people around him with his lovable nature. This includes the housekeeper and school cook, played brilliantly by Vivian El Jaber ('Educando a Nina'), as well as Alfonsina Carrocio ('The Snow Society') in the role of her rebellious granddaughter Sofía. With Gravitas, cinema legend Jonathan Pryce ('The Two Popes', 'One Life') embodies the director of the boys' boarding school. Michell's naive and awkward fellow teacher Tapio is played by Swedish actor and comedian Björn Gustafsson ('Astrid'). With 'The Penguin of My Life', Oscar-nominated British filmmaker Peter Cattaneo ('All or Nothing') has created a timeless, touching and humorous drama that also paints a haunting picture of Argentina during the time of the military dictatorship. The screenplay, based on the memoirs of author Tom Michell, was written by BAFTA and Oscar-nominated Jeff Pope, whose credits include the multi-award-winning audience favorite 'Philomena' and the biopic 'Stan & Ollie'.