“My Penguin Friend” will be showing Saturday and Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
The Cinema Series at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center continues with the heartwarming “My Penguin Friend” on Saturday and Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
Based on a true story, “My Penguin Friend” is the story of humble fisherman João, who 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 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.
Variety calls the film “a must-see for those who love uplifting stories about redemption, perseverance and empathy.” RogerEbert.com calls it “a sweet, beautifully made movie that earns the emotion it’ll surely draw from its viewers.” The San Jose Mercury News says “the sight of that cute penguin waddling on the beach and loving on his human friend will win you over.” Rated PG, “My Penguin Friend” runs one hour, 37 minutes.
Tickets are available at the door for $7 (adults), $6.50 (seniors & Opera House members) and $5 (students) the night of each screening. The Opera House is equipped with assistive listening headsets for the hearing-impaired. Simply request one from any usher or staff member. The Opera House Cinema Series is generously sponsored by Lake Shore Savings Bank.
The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center is a member-supported not-for-profit performing arts center with a mission to “present the performing arts for the benefit of our community and region … providing access to artistic diversity … and high-quality programming at an affordable price.” It is located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.