My Penguin Friend is a 2024 Brazilian-American family adventure film based on the heartwarming true story of João Pereira de Souza and his friendship with Dindim the penguin. The movie brings this incredible tale to life with stunning locations that showcase both tropical beaches and the natural habitat of penguins.
Where Was My Penguin Friend Filmed?
My Penguin Friend was filmed in various locations in Brazil and some part of the film was also shot in Argentina. Here are some primary locations where filming took place:
Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
The village of Ubatuba, located in São Paulo, served as the primary filming location for the movie. It portrays Proveta, the real-life fishing village where João Pereira de Souza lived. With its lush tropical vegetation, golden sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters, Ubatuba perfectly captures the beauty of Brazil’s coastline.
The production team made efforts to stay authentic, even involving real fishermen and local residents in the filming. Ten Magellanic penguins from the Ubatuba Aquarium—the same institution that cared for Dindim—were featured in the film. These penguins were well taken care of, with enclosures and a saltwater pool on set.
Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Paraty, a charming town in Rio de Janeiro, was another key location. Known for its preserved Portuguese colonial architecture and cobbled streets, Paraty was used to show parts of the fishing village. The brightly colored buildings and scenic streets make a beautiful backdrop as João and Dindim explore the town.
Patagonia, Argentina
To capture the penguins in their natural habitat, the production team also filmed in Patagonia, Argentina. This region, located at the southern tip of South America, is home to a colony of nearly one million Magellanic penguins.
The crew filmed scenes showing the penguins in their coastal home, along with breathtaking views of Patagonia’s snow-capped mountains, valleys, and semi-arid deserts. These scenes bring authenticity to the movie, connecting viewers to Dindim’s real-life environment.
When Did the Filming Take Place?
Principal photography began in September 2022 and ended on November 11, 2022. A smaller crew traveled to Patagonia in early January 2023 to film additional natural landscape footage.
Official Trailer
FAQ
Q: Where was My Penguin Friend filmed?
A: The movie was filmed in Ubatuba and Paraty in Brazil, as well as in Patagonia, Argentina.
Q: Why was Ubatuba chosen as a filming location?
A: Ubatuba resembles Proveta, the fishing village where the real story happened, and captures the tropical beauty of Brazil.
Q: Were real penguins used in the film?
A: Yes, ten Magellanic penguins from the Ubatuba Aquarium portrayed Dindim and other penguins.
Q: When did the filming take place?
A: Filming began in September 2022 and ended by early January 2023.