After I saw Corneliu Porumboiu’s The Whistlers back in September at the New York Film Festival, my first thought was: When can I see this again? Indeed, it was one of the few films at the festival to illicit a rapturous round of applause once the credits hit. It’s a swift, smart, entertaining ride that plays like a Hollywood noir peppered with the perfect amount of that completely unique Romanian sense of humor—an unlikely combination that creates a totally watchable and satisfying film experience. I’ve probably thought about The Whistlers at least once a week since its festival screening in New York and I’m absolutely delighted we’re opening our annual Making Waves series with such a slick and stylish entry from one of Romania’s most talented living filmmakers.  —Senior Programmer Andrew Jupin

“Revisits the energy and wit of heist movies before it, as well as the filmmaker’s own structural sophistication his previous works, and revitalizes both traditions in the process.” (Indiewire)

The only Romanian film selected for the New York Film Festival this year finds director Corneliu Porumboiu (12:08 East of Bucharest; Police, Adjective) at his most whimsical. The Whistlers plays like a flashy neo-noir shot in bright colors, complete with twists and turns, double-crosses, lots of smoke and cinephilia, a femme fatale called Gilda, a mattress full of money, and an extra twist. It’s about a corrupt cop who travels to the Canary Island of La Gomera, where he must learn an indigenous whistle language to help him communicate with the mobs while eluding police surveillance. This enjoyable caper was selected as Romania’s official Oscar entry.

Please join us for a reception upstairs in the Jane Peck Gallery following the screening and Q&A.