‘The Whistler’ Brings Venezuelan Folklore Horror To Cinemas

A new entry in Latin American genre filmmaking arrives in cinemas this month as The Whistler, directed by Diego Velasco, prepares for its theatrical rollout following its world premiere at Fantaspoa in Brazil.

Starring Diane Guerrero and Juan Pablo Raba, the supernatural horror draws on Venezuelan folklore to frame a story centred on grief and isolation. The film follows Nicole and Sebastian, a couple attempting to rebuild their lives after the death of their daughter. Their situation takes a turn when they inherit a remote farm in Venezuela, only to discover it is occupied by a cult that claims to communicate with spirits.

As outlined in the film’s premise, Nicole becomes increasingly drawn to the group’s rituals, motivated by the possibility of reconnecting with her lost child. This decision leads to the emergence of a supernatural entity known as The Whistler, a figure rooted in regional legend and associated with an ominous auditory warning. According to the mythology referenced in the film, the sound of the whistle signals proximity, with its volume carrying a specific meaning tied to danger.

Velasco directs from a screenplay he co-wrote with Esteban Orozco and Carolina Paiz, based on earlier material by Nacho Palacios. The project reflects Velasco’s background across both Latin American and US productions, with previous credits spanning television work on Orange Is the New Black and Gentefied, as well as his Venezuelan feature The Zero Hour. The script’s development included selection for the Sundance Writers Lab, indicating early industry support during its formation.

The cast also includes Indhira Serrano, Laureano Olivarez, Laura Sofía Domínguez and Laura Garcia Marulanda. Production duties are handled by Margaret Miller and Trevor O’Neil of Hideout Pictures, with Guerrero and Raba also attached as executive producers alongside Paiz, Shannon Houchins and Noor Ahmed.

The film’s release through Vertical will see it open in select theatres from 17 April, positioning it within a growing slate of internationally produced horror titles reaching North American audiences. Its premiere at Fantaspoa places it within one of the key genre festivals in South America, often used as a launch platform for films rooted in regional storytelling traditions.

For Guerrero, known for her work in television series including Doom Patrol and Orange Is the New Black, the role marks a return to feature-led storytelling with a focus on psychological strain and emotional conflict. Opposite her, Raba brings experience from projects such as Narcos, contributing to a central pairing that anchors the film’s progression.

The Whistler opens in select cinemas on 17 April following its Fantaspoa debut.

The Whistler trailer