TIFF 2025: ‘Whistle’ Is A Breath Of Fresh Air

Sometimes you need to be reminded of wholesome things in this world, and that’s where the documentary, Whistle, comes in. One of the definitive documentary palette cleansers out of TIFF, Whistle introduces us to the competitive world of whistling. As it turns out, it’s not just about perfect pitch. It’s an ascension of form that deserves not only to be recognized but also respected. And the delightful people who fill the documentary with their glorious sounds will make you want to pucker your lips and give it a good old hearty try.

Centrally focused on the 2023 Masters of Musical Whistling competition, writer/director Christopher Nelius crafts a tale full of peaks and valleys. Filled to the brim with charismatic and memorable competitors, led by producer and Artistic Director Carole Anne Kaufman, it’s difficult not to immediately invest in and want the best for all those participating in this ambitious yet niche competition. All are filled with overwhelming passion and drive to compete for the chance to be considered masters of their craft, and this passion drives things forward.

Kaufman is the unstoppable driving force behind the Masters of Musical Whistling competition, providing a platform for the insanely talented performers attending the event. Yet, anyone who works in the events industry can tell you the monumental task Kaufman has set for herself. Nelius never shies away from shining the light on the good, the bad, and the overwhelming as Kaufman and her team navigate load-in, technical difficulties, and contestant anxieties. 

Carole Anne Kaufman bares all in bringing this competition to life in Whistle.

Contestants attending the competition come from all over the world, showing not only the diversity in terms of whistlers but also highlighting how a simple love of whistling can be a unifying force. Friendships are forged between contestants and, surprisingly, even with the competition getting hot, there’s only camaraderie and respect demonstrated onscreen. Even when contestant Lauren Elder is fretting about how many people are performing Mozart’s “Queen of the Night,” there’s really no ill will. 

Instead, many of the contestants are not only focused on perfecting their craft but also on community. Even while contestant Yuki Takeda strives to break his first-place curse finally, he still spends time supporting and uplifting fellow newcomer and contestant Ayna Ziordia Botella when she thinks she’s stumbled. Viral whistler sensation Molly Lewis, who was featured on the Barbie soundtrack, joins the competition to maintain her connection to the community, and we see her offering a shoulder for others to vent on when anxieties start to rise.

Some may call these contestants eccentric or strange for their love of whistling, but what Whistle does is highlight how whistling can be an art form. From achieving perfect pitch to indulging in pucker-worthy flourishes onstage, the contestants showcase a range of in whistling prowess that should make viewers pause. Whistling is oftentimes dismissed as an art form. Here, Nelius dares you even to try to dismiss it, as Kaufman and the other contestants come together to put on a show. 

Whistle is a bright light, reminding us to find joy in this increasingly turbulent world.

The natural progression of the competition provides a perfect timeline of events to follow in Whistle. With each new category, the film enters a new phase of exploration and talking heads, where we continue to get to know the contestants. The personalities and vulnerability of our featured group of contestants, as shown in their talking heads, are refreshing. They are all so likable and relatable that it becomes incredibly hard to root for just one person. By the end of Whistle, once winners are announced, it’s clear why those who were selected succeeded.

If there’s anything out of place, it’s a brief section where Kaufman has a serious, intimate discussion with a contestant about addiction. Addiction, as a whole, is an important topic and is a difficult one to address in any capacity. However, while the moment was well-meaning in intention, it felt out of place with the more positive and uplifting tone Whistle has been working with. And while the contestant may have signed off on the clip being included, a question remains about that person’s private life being made public in such a manner. 

Even still, Whistle is a breath of fresh air. Documentaries have a reputation for being too serious in tone and subject matter. However, as a genre, documentaries encompass a wide range of subjects, from serious to whimsical. In the case of Whistle, it is a snapshot of a niche community that embraces whistling in all of its glorious tonal colors. Nelius invites you into this fascinating world of friendly competition, where you may also want to try your hand at whistling.

Whistle had its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.