Life is to Whistle

A filmatic seduction from the daily life of Cuba. In Life Is to Whistle, Fernando Pérez introduces us to Julia, Elpidio and Mariana. They are three very different people from today’s Havana who must choose between clinging to their self-restricting beliefs, or getting rid of them in order to live more freely. Julia yawns throughout her work day at the nursing home. Elpidio is a musician with a failed career. Now, he spends his days along the seafront by tricking tourists for money and takes things as they come. Mariana is a talented but undisciplined ballerina. She loves men, but is not willing to sacrifice her career for anything. The trio have only one thing in common: They are sad. But in Cuba, the fate is always lurking. In this film, faith is an eighteen year-old girl called Bébé. She helps our heroes back on the right path towards a happier life. Life Is to Whistle won the award for best film during Films from the South in 1999 with the following justification: “A film that masterly combines magical realism, poetry, politics and public appeal”. red