A woman in a blue dress and gloves waves to a crowd from on top of a stage. In the background is a large rock or cliff.

Whistle + Q&A Sydney Film Festival

  • Cinema
  • Playhouse
  • Run time: 84 minutes, plus 15 minute Q&A Subject to change
  • Seating map

The world’s greatest whistling competition

Australia | 2025 | English | Documentary | All Ages

An offbeat Aussie crowd pleaser following the world’s greatest whistling competition, from the eccentric competitors to passionate devotees, as egos clash and notes soar.

Unsurprisingly, whistling as a competitive sport attracts an eccentric crowd – among them an anxious New York actress, a fiercely ambitious Spanish competitor, a perpetual runner-up Japanese muso and a piping pop star. Wrangling this multifarious mob, is ‘Whistling Diva’ producer Carole Anne Kaufman, a contentious figure, who’s on a mission to elevate the artform and the competition. Directed by Christopher Nelius (Girls Can’t Surf, SFF 2021) and produced by the Oscar-nominated team behind Porcelain War (SFF 2024), this highly entertaining documentary in the tradition of Best in Show and The Golden Spurtle, celebrates persistence and lip-pursing talent as it captures the highs and lows of competitive musical whistling.

This special screening will also include a live Q&A.

Presented by Sydney Opera House and Sydney Film Festival

Event details

A heartwarming, feel-good watch that celebrates talent, dedication, and the quirky joy of a world where every note counts.

Rachel West, Alliance of Women Film Journalists

Whistle delivers a textbook competition doc with its hugely entertaining observation of what it means to commit oneself to one’s passion.

Pat Mullen, POV

Cast and credits

Director & Screenwriter Christopher Nelius
Producer Camilla Mazzaferro
Producer Louise Smith
Producer Luke Mazzaferro
Producer & Screenwriter Al Hicks
Producer Casey Ventura
Cinematographer Kathryn Milliss
Editor Matias Bolla
Editor Johanna Scott

Australian Distributor Madman Entertainment

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Attending this event

Plan your visit

Address

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Getting to the venue

The Opera House is a 7-10 minute walk from Circular Quay, and is easily accessible by car, train, ferry, lightrail, bus, bike and on foot.

Location and access

Playhouse

The Playhouse is located in the north-western corner of Sydney Opera House, best accessed through the Western Foyers.

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