As part of the promotion of the new movie Paddington in Peru by Columbia Pictures and StudioCanal, a special meet and greet brunch was held at Café Inkaterra. The popular bear appeared wearing his iconic blue coat and holding a jam jar in his hand– accompanied by the British Ambassador to Peru, Gavin Cook. Together they greeted local families and travelers at the Green PearlsⓇ Hotel Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Paddington statue full of symbolism
A highlight was the unveiling of a new statue of Paddington by the city council in the Alameda Los Artesanos. The sculpture depicts Paddington sitting on a wooden bench enjoying a sandwich on the banks of the Aguas Calientes River with a view of the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu.
„Paddington represents values such as curiosity, friendship and kindness. His story unites two countries and makes him a global icon.“ – Ambassador Gavin Cook
The wonders of Peru and its endangered bears
Paddington in Peru takes the audience on a journey to the origins of the famous bear, who was introduced as a resident of “darkest Peru” in Michael Bond’s first book, A Bear Called Paddington (1958). The new sequel follows Paddington on his epic return to his homeland, with stunning locations in Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu that pay homage to the wonders of Peru. The film also raises awareness for the conservation of the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), the only bear species native to South America and the inspiration for Paddington. Its natural habitat, the Andean cloud forest, is also highlighted.
Director Dougal Wilson drew inspiration for Paddington in Peru from the classic films Aguirre, The Wrath of God (1972) and Fitzcarraldo (1982) – both co-produced by Inkaterra founder José Koechlin. “Peru offers an incredible variety of landscapes, fascinating geology and the mysterious legacy of the Incas,” said Wilson in an interview with Empire Magazine.
The film has been in theaters since January 30.