Vertical Entertainment has acquired the North American supernatural thriller The Whistler after signing a deal with Hideout Pictures.
The film, starring Diane Guerrero (Orange Is the New Black) and Juan Pablo Raba (Narcos), follows grieving parents as they confront a group of squatters on a remote farm in Venezuela.
The squatters claim to be able to summon spirits, tormenting Nicole (Guerrero), a mother who wants to contact her deceased daughter. In the process, Nicole unintentionally unleashes a horrifying malevolent spirit that tempts its victims to death with a terrifying whistle. Raba plays Nicole’s husband Sebastian.
This spirit is based on the Venezuelan legend El Silbón. The film was directed by Diego Velasco and shot on location in Colombia. The story is written by Nacho Palacios, Carolina Pais (The Night Manager), and Diego Velasco and Esteban Orozco.
“‘The Whistler’ is a story of sadness, longing, and the ghosts that haunt us, inspired by Venezuelan folklore,” Velasco said. “We’re thrilled that Vertical will be bringing this production to audiences in the United States. We can’t wait for viewers to step into the farm and feel the fear.”
“The Whistler” will be released in limited theaters on April 17th, as well as on a date and time basis and then on VOD. The film is scheduled to be premiered at Brazil’s leading genre film festival, Phantaspore, on April 11th.
Amy Beecroft of Verve Talent and Literary Agency negotiated the contract on behalf of Hideout with Tony Piantedosion of Vertical.
The producer will retain distribution rights in Latin America and work directly with regional partners for theatrical release. Film Mode Entertainment is handling sales for the film outside of North and South America after it began selling the film at the Berlinale in February.
“The Whistler” is produced by Margaret Miller, Trevor O’Neill and Belasco. This is a Hideout Pictures production in association with Open Studios and 64A Films.
