We’re thrilled to share that our upcoming film Penguin Bloom has been chosen as one of only 50 films at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival.
From our dear friend and collaborator Bradley Trevor Greive…
Some very exciting movie news: Penguin Bloom (the movie) has been officially selected for the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). It is the only Australian film to be included this year.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
TIFF is the premier Canadian film festival, one of the world’s biggest, and normally features over 350 unreleased films (sometimes as many as 460). But this year (due to COVID-safe screening requirements) has only accepted 50 films in total; by far the lowest number in the history of the festival (the previous record was 85 films in 1978).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Not only that, but Penguin Bloom will be featured in the elite Special Presentation category, with only 6 other films (featuring such cinematic greats as Anthony Hopkins, Mads Mikkelsen, Olivia Colman and Viggo Mortensen).
Does this mean Penguin Bloom is internationally regarded as one of the 7 best movies made in 2019/2020? Yes, I choose to think it does. ??
Either way, it is a tremendously exciting honour for our film to be included.
Writing the original book with Sam Bloom and Cameron Bloom was a heartbreaking labour of love, and it was quite overwhelming to see this deeply personal story on the big screen. This was my first time on a movie set as an author, and the cast and crew were extraordinary; the hard work and creative passion that goes into a major film production is humbling, exhilarating and inspiring. And the finished result is, quite simply, wonderful.
If you loved the book, then you’ll love the movie.
You can read more in the Sydney Morning Herald.
We’re really looking forward to the 1 January 2021 premiere of the movie in Australia so everyone can see the results of the remarkable work the director, producers, actors and crew have done to bring our story to life on screen.