A touching tale of friendship between a penguin and a retired Brazilian stonemason has made its way to the big screen. The movie My Penguin Friend tells the story of João Pereira de Souza, who saved a penguin named Dindim after an oil spill in Brazil. Their bond became so strong that Dindim returned annually to visit João, creating a lasting connection that has inspired audiences around the world.
By August Roberts
A Rescue with Compassion
In 2011, João Pereira de Souza discovered a Magellanic penguin on a beach near Rio de Janeiro, covered in oil and struggling to survive. The retired stonemason took the penguin home, cleaning and nursing him back to health with careful attention and a diet of fresh fish. He named the penguin “Dindim,” a term of endearment based on his son’s childhood pronunciation of the word “penguin” in Portuguese. Once Dindim was strong enough, João released him back into the wild, but the penguin had other plans.
The Unexpected Return
Just a short time after his release, Dindim reappeared at João’s home, waiting on the lawn to be let inside. The penguin seemed to have chosen his rescuer as a lifelong companion. While Dindim eventually left again in February 2012, the story didn’t end there. Every June for the next eight years, the penguin made his way back to João, spending months with him before returning to the sea, highlighting an incredible connection between human and animal.
A Film That Captures Hearts
Brazilian director David Schurmann brought this emotional story to the screen in My Penguin Friend, a film that has captured the hearts of both children and adults. While the director took some creative liberties, the film remains true to the essence of the story—a unique friendship that transcended species. Schurmann subtly integrated an environmental message, reminding viewers that it was the devastating oil spill that set the friendship into motion.
Positive Reception at the Premiere
Upon its release, the film garnered mostly positive reviews, earning an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Film critic Christy Lemire praised My Penguin Friend as a “heartfelt, wholesome family film” that avoids modern cynicism and delivers a sincere, emotional experience. In a world filled with challenges, the story of João and Dindim provides a sense of hope and joy, offering a touching reminder of the power of kindness and the beauty of unlikely friendships.
My Penguin Friend highlights how a small act of kindness can lead to a lifelong bond. João and Dindim’s story serves as a poignant example of the impact that care and compassion can have, not just on one animal, but on everyone who hears their story.
Based on content from www.goodnewsnetwork.org and additional research.