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New Zealand premiere for 'Whispers From the Core'

1/27/2026

Avinu Films proudly announces the Oceania premiere of the critically acclaimed short film Whispers From the Core, written and directed by Marcelle Abela. The 9-minute experimental cinematic elegy, which binds together the haunting legacies of Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Chernobyl, will screen at the Third Culture New Zealand Film Festival from March 9-15, 2026, at the Luxe Cinemas in Tauranga, New Zealand. Based on true events, Whispers From the Core explores survivors’ unspoken burdens, betrayal, and the generational silence that echoes across history.

Shot on ARRI Alexa with an original score by Abela featuring renowned soloists, the film has earned international recognition, including awards for Experimental Film and Original Score, Official Selections at prestigious festivals worldwide, and praise for its visceral reminder of humanity’s endurance and the urgent need for peace. “This film is a tribute to survivors and a call to confront uneasy truths about destruction and healing,” said director Marcelle Abela. For press inquiries, screenings, or interviews, contact: [email protected]

Award-Winning Experimental Film 'Whispers From the Core' and Inspiring Music Short 'Rita's Song' to Premiere Next Month in Hollywood

1/23/2026

Iconic Screenings Scheduled at TCL Chinese Theaters

Acclaimed Maltese-American filmmaker Marcelle Abela is set to have the Hollywood premiere of her poignant, award-winning experimental film Whispers From the Core and the collaborative music short Rita's Song as Official Selections at the prestigious Golden State Film Festival. Both works will screen at the legendary TCL Chinese Theaters on Hollywood Boulevard from February 27 to March 5, 2026. Whispers From the Core is a cinematic elegy that weaves together the haunting legacies of the nuclear catastrophes in Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Chernobyl. Based on true events, the film explores the survivors' search for redemption amid treachery and loss, blending evocative visuals with a haunting original score. Meanwhile, Rita's Song is an uplifting music short documenting the real-life transition story of Rafaela Amrita Crevoshay (Rita), who embraced her true gender identity at the age of 76 years. Produced by Marcelle Abela in collaboration with composer Michael A. Levine (of Hans Zimmer fame), who wrote the original music and lyrics, Rita's Song features heartfelt performances by Angelica Innocente (vocals), Sam Levine (saxophone), and Michael Levine himself (keyboards), on a deeply personal narrative celebrating courage, authenticity, and transformation.

Marcelle Abela is an award-winning Maltese-American filmmaker, composer, and screenwriter, whose compelling feature and short documentaries have earned multiple accolades at international film festivals. Michael A. Levine is an accomplished composer and former Governor of the Emmy's, whose work spans film, television, and innovative projects. These premieres of Whispers From the Core and Rita's Song at the legendary TCL Chinese Theaters represent a milestone celebration of independent cinema, resilience, and artistic collaboration. Audiences are invited to experience these transformative stories on the big screen. For screening schedules and tickets, visit the Golden State Film Festival website.

New Zealand premiere for 'Whispers From the Core'

Award-Winning Experimental Film 'Whispers From the Core' and Inspiring Music Short 'Rita's Song' to Premiere Next Month in Hollywood

Iconic Screenings Scheduled at TCL Chinese Theaters

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