A scene from the animated film 'Penguin Highway' showing two children crouched down observing a penguin on what appears to be a rooftop or terrace. On the left is a young boy with dark hair wearing round glasses, a light-coloured shirt, and green shorts. Next to him is another child with dark hair in a blue jacket, holding what looks like a red notebook or book. They are both looking at a black and white penguin standing near a teal-coloured bowl. The setting features a metal railing in the background with a bright blue sky filled with white clouds and green hills visible in the distance. 

Birmingham Anime Film Festival 2025: Penguin Highway

English language (dubbed)

About Birmingham Anime Film Festival 2025: Penguin Highway

10 year old Aoyama (Kana Kita) is serious beyond his years. An enthusiastic scientist, he spends his childhood days absorbed in notebooks full of observations and theories, while dodging his bullies’ comments with sharp wit. All the while he counts down the days until adulthood when he’ll finally be able to marry his crush – a young dental hygienist referred to only as Onee-san, or ‘Miss’ (Yu Aoi).

Aoyama’s world is abruptly changed when his sleepy little town experiences a puzzling influx of a colony of penguins – despite it being the middle of summer and nowhere close to the sea! Armed with his inquisitive mind, Aoyama enlists his friends in a mission to investigate this phenomenon, which serendipitously seems connected to the charming ‘Miss’.

This debut anime feature from Hiroyasu Ishida is a highly imaginative rendition of Tomihiko Morimi’s 2010 novel of the same title.

Please note: this screening is in English language (dubbed).

Booking info

To book Accessible tickets and free Companion tickets, please visit our Accessible Bookings page. Companion tickets will initially show a standard ticket price, but once your account is set-up and you are logged in, this will be reduced to £0 at checkout.

Duration includes trailers, adverts and any Q&A/panel. For events such as NT Live, Colour Box and Reel & Meal there will be minimal advertising. We do not admit latecomers after the main feature has started and we have a limited food & drink policy.

MAC’s cinema programme has been generously supported by BFI Film Audience Network and Film Hub Midlands.

Dates and times

You might also enjoy

  1. Cartoon of reformed criminals Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Shark and Ms. Tarantula.

    The Bad Guys 2

    Cinema
    More info
  2. A man and a woman both in late middle age (Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs) sit next to each other on a grassy hill. They are both wearing shorts and outdoor clothing, and there is a large rucksack - complete with rolled up sleeping bags - next to both of them.

    The Salt Path

    Cinema
    More info
  3. Close up two people, a woman and a child, either side of a rainy window. Their hands and heads are touching through the glass.

    Bring Her Back

    Cinema
    More info