The Penguin Lessons

Starring two-time Oscar nominee Steve Coogan (Philomena), this poignant dramedy from Oscar-nominated director Peter Cattaneo (The Full Monty) explores an Englishman’s personal and political awakening after he adopts a penguin during a cataclysmic period in Argentine history. Based on the memoir and true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work in a school in Argentina in 1976, Tom (Coogan), expecting an easy ride, discovers a divided nation and a class of unteachable students. However, after he rescues a penguin from an oil-slicked beach, his life is turned upside-down. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, this uplifting story about mutual human-animal healing is full of wit, warmth and humour, counterintuitive discoveries and cute penguin antics. It’s a heartwarming tear-jerker for the whole family.