Paddington in Peru a showcase for Peru
A beloved bruin is expected to give a boost to Peru’s tourist trade.
Paddington Bear, who first surfaced in the 1950s and has since built a worldwide following, is appearing on the big screen for the third time, with the lovable London-based bear featured in Paddington in Peru, which has him return to his South American homeland in search of a relative.
Movie settings include Lima, Machu Picchu and the Peruvian Amazon, something not lost on Peruvian tourist board PROMPERU, which assisted in the production of the movie.
“He’s coming back to his home,” Manuel Talavera, Peru’s ambassador to Canada, aid of Paddington during a Feb. 13 showing of the movie in Toronto.
Paddington creator Michael Bond said his character had emerged from “darkest Peru” when introducing him in 1958.
The ursine character is among other things known for being honest and family oriented, traits Talavera said apply to Peruvians.
Paddington in Peru has him and the British family that adopted him venture into the jungle in search of his aging Aunt Lucy, who they believe will be found at El Dorado, the legendary city made from gold reported to be hidden deep in the Amazon. Rumors of El Dorado have persisted for centuries, although many archeologists scoff at the suggestion that it exists.
Paddington in Peru’s plot has the fabled city built by the Incas.
Jaime Cardenas of PROMPERU, who was on hand at the Toronto event, noted that while his country is home to hilltop Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has become iconic of the country, visitors can see many more Inca sites.
“I really believe that this movie will create interest in going to Peru,” he said.
Cardenas also said it’s very possible other sites built by the Incas and other pre-Columbian civilizations in what is now Peru are yet to be discovered, making it great for history enthusiasts.
Others in Peruvian tourism are welcoming the movie as well, with Inkaterra — which includes a Machu Picchu lodge among its Andean retreats — said it’s convinced Paddington in Peru will “encourage moviegoers to explore the marvels of Peru.”
The lodging company notes a replica of Paddington wearing his trademark hat and raincoat can now be permanently seen on a Machu Picchu-area bench.
A statue and a mural of Paddington can also be seen in different parts of Lima.
Meanwhile, Andres Reinoso of Anderson Vacations said regardless of whether El Dorado existed there are likely reminders of the wealth of the Incas — who were famed for their gold and silver artisanship and oversaw an empire that ruled over much of South America — still to be found.
“The Incas were very rich, ” he said. “I am quite confident to say they hid gold somewhere.”
Cardenas in turn said the El Dorado story is a riveting one.
“We may never know the truth but the story of El Dorado is a fantastic piece of storytelling,” he stated.
