'Whispers From the Core' Named Finalist at the 68th Rochester International Film Festival

Experimental short film illuminates the haunting legacies of nuclear catastrophe.

Marcelle Abela's poignant experimental short film Whispers From the Core has been named a finalist in the prestigious 68th Rochester International Film Festival (RIFF), taking place April 30 through May 2, 2026, in Rochester, New York. Called "a visually stunning, chilling reminder of something everyone needs to remember and never forget, with a vibrant and haunting musical score" by the festival's jury, Whispers From the Core weaves the devastating legacies of Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Chernobyl into a tapestry of betrayal, resilience, and whispered warnings from the earth's core. Produced under the Avinu Films banner, the film marks another milestone in Abela's acclaimed body of work that blends music, narrative, and visual poetry. "We are thrilled and deeply honored by this recognition from RIFF," said Abela. "This film is a call to listen to the whispers of our wounded world — may it resonate with all who watch it and inspire action." The Rochester International Film Festival, one of the oldest continually running film festivals in the United States, celebrates global cinema with a focus on innovative storytelling. Finalists compete for top honors, with screenings and the awards ceremony being held at the George Eastman Museum's famed Dryden Theater.
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