The Australian film adaptation of inspiring international bestseller Penguin Bloom from director Glendyn Ivin and starring Naomi Watts, Andrew Lincoln and Jacki Weaver will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
From September 10 – 19, the Festival will celebrate its 45th year with an international online presence and a distinguished selection of 50 new features. The Festival’s reduced number of features will be screened via physical, socially distanced screenings, drive-ins, digital screenings as well as virtual red carpets and industry talks.
Naomi Watts stars in the true story of Sam Bloom, a young mother whose world is shattered after a near-fatal accident leaves her unable to walk. As Sam, her husband Cam (Lincoln), their three young boys and her mother (Weaver) struggle to adjust to their new situation, an unlikely ally enters their world in the form of an injured baby magpie they name Penguin. The bird’s arrival makes a profound difference in the family’s life.
Filmed on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, the screenplay was adapted by Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps. Lincoln plays Sam’s husband, Cameron Bloom, alongside Jacki Weaver as her mother, Jan, and newcomers Griffin Murray-Johnston, Felix Cameron and Abe Clifford-Barr as the three Bloom boys.
Penguin Bloom is a Made Up Stories, Broadtalk and JamTart production, produced by Emma Cooper, Bruna Papandrea, Steve Hutensky, Jodi Matterson and Naomi Watts.
Screen Australia provided major production investment and the film was financed with support from Screen NSW. Roadshow Films will launch the film on January 1, 2021 and Endeavor Content is handling international sales.
Ausfilm members Alt.VFX provided post-production VFX, Soundfirm in Melbourne was responsible for sound mix, and Showfilm provided travel services and accommodation.