PUCKER UP: THE FINE ART OF WHISTLING

According to PUCKER UP, "The world is divided into two types of people: those who have whistled and those who have tried." Just put your lips together and blow, right? Not so simple. PUCKER UP follows several competitors as they converge on the 31st International Whistlers Competition in Louisburg, NC. These folks gather with peers and show off their puckulatory prowess--from bird calling to Vivaldi to the American anthem. Their day jobs range from social worker to wealthy DC investment banker to turkey hauler, but their true avocation is whistling. One competitor warns that mixing work and whistling can cause resentment: not everyone enjoys the office whistler.

The art of whistling had its heyday back in the 1920s, when it was a profession. Whistlers were lauded guests, toured with big bands and performed with mainstream musical acts. But like many simple things in life, whistling was relegated to a pastime as musical tastes changed. Transistor radios and other diversions emerged, and people were more often entertained by some technological device.

Both blissful and surprising, PUCKER UP reminds us of the simple pleasures in life. Whistling lifts the spirits and has a calming effect on the brain. They say you just can't be sad and whistle at the same time. You will leave this film whistling, or at least have a smile on your face. Others will look at you and think, "Why is that person so darn happy?"

Amy King

Kate Davis is a Harvard University graduate, and she has been producing award-winning documentaries for over 15 years. Her film SOUTHERN COMFORT (2001), the story of a dying transsexual who finds love during the last year of his life, was nominated for an Emmy and won over 25 international awards. Davis has also won an Emmy for Best Non-Fiction Directing for JOCKEY (2004), which follows the lives of three Kentucky riders.

A former prosecutor at the Manhattan District Attorney's office, David Heilbroner has often focused on criminal justice issues in his films. He was the Senior Producer on CRIME STORIES for Court TV. As an author, Heilbroner has published numerous feature articles as well as the critically acclaimed non-fiction books Rough Justice and Death Benefit. Also a lifelong professional guitarist, Heilbroner has performed with such luminaries as Carly Simon, Dizzy Gillespie and Betty Carter.

Print Source:
David Heilbroner, Q-Ball Productions, Inc
412 West End Ave. #3E
New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212.362.3128
Fax: 212.580.0288
Email: dheilbroner@nyc.rr.com

Thursday 6/16 at 9:30 p.m.
Saturday 6/18 at 12:15 p.m.

PUCKER UP: THE FINE ART OF WHISTLING
Catch swing band Radio King Orchestra as they warm up the crowd for the screening of PUCKER UP, playing in our Music Documentary Strand.

Thursday 6/16
Music starts at 7:00 p.m., film rolls at 9:30 p.m.
FREE!

Events sponsored by Celebrate Downtown Silver Spring.

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