SPECIAL COMMUNITY SCREENING
My Penguin Friend
CIFF is proud to partner with ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS to present this amazing story!
A sweeping family adventure, My Penguin Friend 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, My Penguin Friend is a tale that traverses the magic of the ocean, the beauty of nature, and the transformative power of love.
August 13th
- General Public Seating is open on a first come basis. Although there are plenty of seats in the Village main theater we recommend arriving early.
- Saving seats will not be allowed so please make sure your whole party enters the theater at the same time.
Producer Steve Wegner will join the screening for a post Q+A.
STEVEN P. WEGNER is an independent feature-film producer and the former Head of Development/Production for Alcon Entertainment, where he oversaw the company’s entire slate for over 16 years.
His feature film producing credits include the inspirational true story, “Dolphin Tale” (2011) starring Harry Connick, Jr., Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman, and its sequel “Dolphin Tale 2 (2014); the romantic comedy, “Chasing Liberty” (2004) starring Mandy Moore and Matthew Goode; the family comedy, “Racing Stripes” (2005) featuring Dustin Hoffman and Whoopi Goldberg; the Oscar winning “Blade Runner 2049” (2017) with Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling, directed by Denis Villeneuve; the critical favorite “Prisoners” (2013) starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal; the beloved young adult drama “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” (2005); and its sequel (2008); the romantic drama “P.S. I Love You (2007),” starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler; the breakout hit “The Blind Side (2009),” starring Sandra Bullock, which was Oscar-nominated for Best Picture; “The Book of Eli” (2010), starring Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman; and the Christopher Nolan directed “Insomnia” (2002) starring Al Pacino and Robin Williams, which was the first film Wegner shepherded into production.
Currently in release is Sony Pictures “The Garfield Movie” (2024) featuring the voice talents of Chris Pratt and Samuel L. Jackson, which has currently grossed over $220 million worldwide, as well as, the whimsical comedy-drama from auteur director H.P. Mendoza, “The Secret Art of Human Flight” (2024). Next up is the inspirational family film, “My Penguin Friend” for City Hill Arts; based on an extraordinary true story, starring Jean Reno and Adriana Barraza, which is releasing wide through Roadside Attractions on August 16th, 2024
Born and raised in San Diego, Wegner is a graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts.