'Whispers From the Core' to Make American Premiere at the Iconic Kirk Douglas Theater

Acclaimed experimental short delivers soul-stirring visions to Culver City's historic heart.

Marcelle Abela's experimental short film Whispers from the Core - The Silence We Cannot Speak will receive its American premiere as an official selection in the 2025 Culver City Film Festival lineup. The screening is set for early December at the legendary Kirk Douglas Theater — once known as the historic Culver Theater — a cultural cornerstone in Culver City that has captivated audiences since its 1924 debut as one of America's earliest movie palaces. Renamed in 2005 to honor the indelible legacy of screen icon Kirk Douglas, this gem of a cinema theater stands as a beacon of innovative storytelling, having hosted countless world premieres and transformative productions that have shaped American theater and cinema. This poetic odyssey into the depths of the unspoken scars of atomic history follows the film's world premiere at the Amadeus Cinema in Jõhvi, Estonia, on October 3, 2025. 

Abela, a naturalized US filmmaker and composer of Maltese descent, channels her unparalleled fusion of musical prowess and narrative intimacy into this work. "This American bow at the Kirk Douglas Theater, amid the electric energy of the Culver City Film Festival, feels like destiny," Abela shares. "In a venue etched into film history — where silver-screen legends flickered to life and bold visions continue to ignite — Whispers from the Core will murmur its secrets to a community that thrives on artistic audacity. The festival screening, part of the 2025 Culver City Film Festival's December 5–11 program at this iconic address, opens doors at 7:00pm. Tickets for the full festival slate, including this premiere, are on sale now via the Culver City Film Festival website at culvercityfilmfestival.com, with options starting at accessible prices.

Whispers from the Core has already enchanted global audiences, earning fervent reviews that affirm its status as a must-see: "A moving and daring experimental film with a beautiful score," proclaimed one film critic; "The scenes provoked many emotions — a very beautiful poetic work," echoed a UK viewer; and "A truly excellent and immersive experience," raved another festival attendee. These accolades, drawn from its international debuts, herald the film's power to stir the soul and linger in the mind. Join this pivotal moment where Abela's visionary craft converges with the Kirk Douglas Theater's storied aura and the Culver City Film Festival's forward momentum — a celebration of cinema's unyielding spirit. For media inquiries, high-resolution assets, or interview requests, reach out to [email protected]