
Event Description
The Penguin Lessons is a heartwarming film adaptation of Tom Michell’s bestselling memoir. Set in 1976 Argentina, the film tells the story of English teacher Tom Michell (Steve Coogan) as he arrives to start a new job at a prestigious boarding school, only to find himself struggling with a nation in turmoil and a class of disruptive students. His life takes an unexpected turn when he rescues a small penguin from an oil-slicked beach. Naming his avian companion Juan Salvador, Tom soon finds that the bird has become more than just a pet – it is a source of wisdom and transformation both for him and for those around him, including the school’s headteacher, Buckle (Jonathan Pryce).
Directed by Peter Cattaneo (The Full Monty) and adapted by Jeff Pope (Philomena), The Penguin Lessons is a poignant tale of friendship, resilience, and the surprising ways we find hope in difficult times.