March of the Penguins facts for kids

March of the Penguins is a famous documentary about emperor penguins. It shows their amazing journey to find a mate and raise their chicks in Antarctica. The film was directed by Luc Jacquet and first released in France in 2005.

This movie became very popular around the world. It helped many people learn about the tough lives of penguins. The film also won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

The Movie's Story: A Penguin Adventure

The film follows the incredible life cycle of emperor penguins. These birds live in one of the coldest places on Earth, Antarctica. Every year, they make a long and difficult journey.

The Long March to Find a Mate

The story begins as winter approaches. Thousands of emperor penguins leave the ocean. They walk for many days across the icy land. Their goal is to reach a special breeding ground far inland. This place is where they will find a partner.

Once they arrive, the penguins choose a mate. They perform special dances and calls. This helps them bond with each other.

Raising a Family in the Cold

After mating, the female penguin lays a single egg. This egg is very important. She then has to return to the ocean to find food. This journey can take weeks.

While the female is away, the male penguin takes care of the egg. He balances it on his feet to keep it warm. He does not eat for a very long time. He protects the egg from the freezing winds and snow.

When the chick hatches, the male feeds it with a special milk he produces. Soon, the female returns, full of fish for her new baby. Then, the male goes to the ocean to eat.

Chicks Growing Up

The parents take turns caring for the chick. They bring it food and keep it safe. As the chicks grow, they gather in groups called "crèches." This helps them stay warm and safe while their parents hunt.

Finally, when the chicks are strong enough, they all make the long journey back to the ocean. This completes their yearly cycle.

Making the Film: A Tough Challenge

Filming March of the Penguins was very hard. The filmmakers spent over a year in Antarctica. They faced extreme cold and harsh blizzards.

Who Made the Movie?

The director, Luc Jacquet, wanted to show the real lives of penguins. He worked with a small team of cinematographers. They used special cameras to capture the penguins up close.

The original French version of the film was narrated by Charles Berling and Romane Bohringer. For the American version, famous actor Morgan Freeman narrated the story. His voice helped make the film even more popular.

Why is it Special?

The movie is special because it shows the penguins' struggle. It highlights their bravery and dedication. It also teaches us about the amazing things animals do to survive. The film uses beautiful shots of the icy landscape. It also has music that helps tell the story.

Awards and Recognition

March of the Penguins was a huge success. It earned over $127 million worldwide. This made it one of the most successful documentaries ever.

The film won many awards. Its biggest win was the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2006. It also won a César Award in France. These awards showed how much people loved the film.

More Information

• In Spanish: La Marche de l'empereur para niños

Images for kids

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